About the Project
The complex is composed of a group of thermoelectric plants — Vale Azul I, II and III, Marlim Azul II, and Litos Energia — as well as gas pipeline infrastructure and the Macaé Port Terminal (TEPOR), responsible for the reception and distribution of supplies.
The project was designed to take advantage of its proximity to the Cabiúnas Hub, operated by Petrobras, one of the main natural gas processing centers in the country. Together, the plants have an installed capacity exceeding 3 GW, enough energy to supply more than 10 million households.
The complex occupies areas near the Macaé River and the coastal zone of the municipality, where there are already environmental pressures caused by industrial and oil-related activities. Currently under the environmental licensing process with INEA and IBAMA, the project has sparked intense debate regarding its social, economic, and environmental impacts, particularly related to air quality, water use, and land occupation.
Vale Azul Thermoelectric Complex — Macaé (RJ)
The Vale Azul Thermoelectric Complex is part of a group of 17 energy and logistics projects planned for the municipality of Macaé, in the Northern Fluminense region.
Of this total, 11 are thermoelectric power plants fueled by natural gas, in addition to gas pipelines, transmission lines, a natural gas processing unit (UPGN), the Macaé Port Terminal (TEPOR), and the Agrivale Logistics and Industrial Complex (CLIMA).
The scale and concentration of these projects form a true “fossil cluster” — one of the largest thermoelectric complexes in the country — which, according to experts, threatens water security and air quality throughout the Macaé and Rio das Ostras basins.
Risk of Water Shortage and Air Pollution
The simultaneous installation of multiple thermoelectric plants, pipelines, and gas lines in the same region represents a serious risk of water scarcity and severe air pollution.
According to technical studies cited by the Arayara International Institute, the water consumption of these plants could compromise the availability of the hydrographic basin that supplies the cities of Macaé, Carapebus, and Quissamã, affecting tens of thousands of people.
In addition, the plants emit large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other harmful gases, such as NO₂ and SO₂, which contribute to the worsening of global climate change and to respiratory diseases among the local population.
The IBAMA, in a technical note, officially acknowledged the need to “assess the carrying capacity of the Macaé air and water basins, in order to safeguard the municipality’s environmental quality.”
Meanwhile, the licensing of the plants remains split between INEA (state agency) and IBAMA, preventing a comprehensive evaluation of cumulative impacts.
Legal Actions and Intervention Requests
In response to the fragmented licensing process, the Arayara International Institute filed a series of Public Civil Actions (ACPs) between 2022 and 2023, at both federal and state levels.
These actions challenge the regularity of the procedures conducted by INEA and request the immediate suspension of licenses until the required studies are properly carried out.
The main requests are:
– The implementation of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) covering all projects within the Macaé River basin;
– The update of the region’s water availability plans;
– The creation of an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
– And the transfer of licensing responsibilities to IBAMA, given the magnitude and interdependence of the projects.
“Only after these studies are conducted will it be possible to properly assess the real impacts on public health and the environment. Any license granted before that is premature,”
said Ivens Drumond, Advocacy Coordinator at Arayara.org.
Thermoelectric Plants Comprising the Complex
The 11 thermoelectric plants that make up the complex are at different stages of licensing — eight under review by IBAMA and three by INEA.
Among them are:
UTE Vale Azul I, II, and III – operated by Vale Azul Energia S.A.
UTE Marlim Azul I and II – operated by Marlim Azul Energia S.A.
UTE Nossa Senhora de Fátima – operated by Global Participações em Energia
UTE Litus 1, 2, 3, and 4 – operated by Litos Energia Ltda.
UTE Jaci and UTE Tupã – operated by Global Participações em Energia
UTE EDF Norte Fluminense – operated by EDF Norte Fluminense S.A.
These plants are designed to operate using natural gas from the Campos Basin and pre-salt reserves, connected through gas pipelines linking Petrobras’ facilities in Cabiúnas (TECAB) to the Macaé Port Terminal (TEPOR).
Connections and Associated Infrastructure
In addition to the power plants, the complex includes:
1. Two 500 kV transmission lines, interconnecting the Vale Azul and Marlim Azul power plants to the Lagos substation;
2. A natural gas distribution pipeline, connecting TECAB to UTE Marlim Azul;
3. Primary and secondary drainage and backflow systems, involving extensive earthworks;
4. An expansion of the Natural Gas Processing Unit (UPGN) in Cabiúnas.
Although these projects are presented as independent ventures, they are in fact components of a single interconnected energy system — which, according to studies presented in the lawsuits, violates the principle of integrated environmental impact assessment.
Climate Context and Energy Transition
Brazil is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the expansion of natural gas–fired thermoelectric generation runs counter to these goals.
“The country continues to invest in fossil fuels that increase energy costs, expand emissions, and reduce the competitiveness of Brazilian industry,”
explains Juliano Bueno de Araújo, Technical Director at Arayara.org.
The organization warns that persisting with this model is “an attack on life and the climate”, emphasizing that Brazil has the potential to replace natural gas with clean and sustainable sources — such as solar and wind energy, featuring distributed generation and lower environmental impact.
Documents
ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSES
Civil Public Action (ACP) No. 5003643-89.2022.4.02.5116 (TRF2)
IBAMA Technical Report on the Macaé Basin
Environmental Impact Studies (EIA/RIMA) of the Vale Azul, Marlim Azul, and Litos Thermoelectric Power Plants
OPERATING LICENSES
Civil Public Action (ACP) No. 5003643-89.2022.4.02.5116 (TRF2)
IBAMA Technical Report on the Macaé Basin
Environmental Impact Studies (EIA/RIMA) of the Vale Azul, Marlim Azul, and Litos Thermoelectric Power Plants
WATER RESOURCES
Civil Public Action (ACP) No. 5003643-89.2022.4.02.5116 (TRF2)
IBAMA Technical Report on the Macaé Basin
Environmental Impact Studies (EIA/RIMA) of the Vale Azul, Marlim Azul, and Litos Thermoelectric Power Plants
TECHNICAL REPORTS
- IBAMA Technical Report on the Macaé Basin
Environmental Impact Studies (EIA/RIMA) of the Vale Azul, Marlim Azul, and Litos Thermoelectric Power Plants
BERTHING AT TERMINAL 2 (T2)
AA No. IN050670
Berthing and docking stations for oil platforms and support vessels along the canal and the southern breakwater of Terminal 2.
DREDGING T2 – CANAL AND WHARF
LI No. IN042068
Deep dredging of the Navigation Channel at Terminal 2 (offshore and onshore).
LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 2
LP No. IN018985
Design and location of port facilities for general cargo, solid and liquid bulk, offshore industry supply, etc.
LI No. IN023176
Construction of port facilities for handling solid and liquid bulk cargo, general cargo, and project cargo.
OPERATION OF THE MULTI-CARGO TERMINAL
LO No. IN034002
Handling of dry bulk cargo (bauxite, coal, coke) and general cargo (containers, project cargo, and granite); diversification of dry bulk operations (including temporary storage in covered warehouses); oil platforms at berths, support vessels, and equipment assembly in the back area.
WATER RESOURCES
OUT nº IN038837
WATER RESOURCES
OUT nº IN038837
WATER RESOURCES
OUT nº IN028801
LOCATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF TERMINAL 2
LP No. IN018985
Design and location of port facilities for general cargo, solid and liquid bulk, and supply to the offshore industry, among others.
LI No. IN023176
Construction of port facilities for handling solid and liquid bulk cargo, general cargo, and project cargo.
WATER RESOURCES
OUT nº IN038837
INFRASTRUCTURE
LPI No. IN028199
Design of the common infrastructure for Terminal 2.
WATER RESOURCES
CANTEIRÓPOLIS
OUT nº IN022389
FUEL STATION
LAS No. IN046935
Location, implementation, and operation of a diesel fueling station.
SAND DEPOSITS 2 AND 7
LPI No. IN030901
Location and implementation of two sand deposits for the disposal of dredging material.
LOCATION OF THE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT OF SÃO JOÃO DA BARRA
LP No. IN021311
Design and location of the common infrastructure of the São João da Barra Industrial District.
SAPUCAIA QUARRY
LO No. IN016484
Location, implementation, and operation of the quarry.
CARGO YARD
LI No. IN030949
Installation of a yard in the Logistics and Industrial Complex area of the Port of Açu.
WATER RESOURCES
CEVISPA
OUT nº IN001541
AA nº IN050670
Atracação e berços de plataformas de petróleo e barcos de apoio ao longo do canal e molhe sul do Terminal.
LI No. IN042068
Dredging for the deepening of the Navigation Channel at Terminal 2 (offshore and onshore).
LP n° IN018985
Design and location of port facilities for general cargo, solid and liquid bulk, and supply to the offshore industry, etc.
LI n° IN023176
Construction of port facilities for handling solid and liquid bulk, general cargo, and project cargo.
Public Hearings
Public hearings are essential moments to ensure transparency and social participation in large-scale environmental projects, such as the Vale Azul Thermoelectric Complex, located in Macaé (RJ).
During these meetings, the community, specialists, authorities, and entrepreneurs gather to discuss the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the thermoelectric plants and their associated works — such as gas pipelines, transmission lines, and the Macaé Port Terminal (TEPOR).
The discussions address topics such as environmental licensing, use of water resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and public health risks, as well as possible impacts on the Macaé River basin and the region’s climatic conditions.
Below are videos and recordings of public hearings already held for the Vale Azul I, II, and III plants, Marlim Azul, EDF Norte Fluminense, among others that make up the Macaé thermoelectric cluster.
These meetings are essential for civil society to express its concerns, contribute with technical questions, and actively participate in the decisions that shape the energy future of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Public Hearing – UTE Marlim Azul II
Date: 10/05/2023
Description: Public hearing held by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for the Marlim Azul II Thermoelectric Power Plant (UTE) project. Environmental licensing process SEI IBAMA: 02001.026078/2022-93.
Public Hearing – Project for the Implementation of the Norte Fluminense 2 Thermoelectric Power Plant, in Macaé
Date: 10/07/2020
Description: Public hearing organized by ETC to discuss the feasibility of implementing the Norte Fluminense 2 Thermoelectric Power Plant in Macaé. The online meeting was conducted by EDF, the company responsible for the project.
Clipping
Below you will find a selection of articles about the Vale Azul Thermoelectric Complex, covering various aspects related to socio-environmental conflicts, legal decisions, and regional impacts. Each link takes you directly to the original article, where you can explore full details of the discussions and events.
- Title: CBH Macaé participates in a public hearing on the Marlim Azul II Thermoelectric Power Plant
Publication: Macaé-Ostras River Basin Committee (comitemacaeostras.org.br)
Date: November 7, 2023
Link - Title: Installation of thermoelectric plants in Macaé questioned by NGOs and scientists
Publication: Arayara (arayara.org.br)
Date: February 23, 2022
Link - Title: RJ: Macaé to Hold Public Hearing on the Licensing Process for Equinor’s Raia Project
Publication: Macaé City Hall Website (macae.rj.gov.br)
Date: March 20, 2025
Link - Title: Environmentalists Seek to Block Thermoelectric Projects in Macaé Through the Courts
Publication: Eixos (eixos.com.br)
Date: November 11, 2022
Link - Title: Complex Plan with 15 Thermoelectric Plants in Macaé May Be Hindered by Water Shortage and Raises Concerns
Publication: O Globo (oglobo.globo.com)
Date: July 31, 2022
Link
Vídeos
References & Links
ACP nº 5003643-89.2022.4.02.5116 – TRF2:
Link
IBAMA – Technical Note on the Water Capacity of the Macaé Basin:
Link
INEA – Licensing Processes of the Thermoelectric Plants:
Link
Arayara International Institute – Technical Reports:
Link
EIA / RIMA Reports of the Vale Azul, Marlim Azul, and Litos Thermoelectric Plants:
Link
Official Letter No. 016/2023 – Marlim Azul Energia:
Link
Reports on GHG Emissions and Water Resources:
Link
Environmental Impact Report (RIMA):
RIMA LLX Terminal Sul
Complementary Environmental Impact Study (EIA):
EIA Porto do Açu – Pátio Logístico e Operações Portuárias
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA):
AAE Porto do Açu
Environmental Impact Study – Sustainability:
Vast Infraestrutura – Sustentabilidade
Weakness in the Environmental Licensing Process:
Fragilidade no Processo de Licenciamento do Complexo Portuário de Açu
Doing Business at the Port of Açu:
Guia de Negócios Porto do Açu 2020
Operating License – LO No. IN034002:
LO IN034002 – Porto do Açu
Publications in the Official Gazette of the State of Rio de Janeiro:
Publicação Oficial 1
Publicação Oficial 2
Possession Reinstatement Action by CODIN:
GSA – Agravo
Case Study on Environmental Conflicts:
A Implantação do Porto do Açu – Estudo de Caso
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