Vale achieves its 100% renewable consumption target

Two years ahead of schedule, we reached the milestone of 100% renewable electricity consumption in our operations in Brazil.

Using solar, wind, and hydropower sources, we are advancing in our decarbonization journey and in the fight against climate change. We are building today a more sustainable future for everyone.
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Photo: Jeferson Capela
A man is smiling in an operation area. He is wearing a light green Vale button-up shirt, white helmet, and goggles.
Photo: Ricardo Teles

Energy security and self-generation

We believe our work only makes sense if it generates value for society. Therefore, we operate strategically in the energy sector.

One of our main differentiators is self-generation of electricity: 100% of the electricity used in our operations in Brazil is produced through our self-generation holdings. We prioritize clean and renewable sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind.

Strategic investments and partnerships

Our portfolio includes stakes in hydropower plant consortia and in energy generation and commercialization companies.

This strategy ensures the energy security required for our long-term operations.

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Photo: Lucas Lenci

Our participation in energy generation in Brazil:

We hold stakes in consortia of two hydropower plants and in two generation companies.

Brazil's map with some states pointed out Vale-Per-7-desk
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Photo: Lucas Lenci

Details on Vale’s participation in hydropower plants

Estreito hydroelectric power plant

Technical Data

Installed Power: 1,087 MW
Number of Machines: 8
Start-up: 2011-2012
Type of turbine: Kaplan

Socio-environmental data

Location: Estreito (MA) / Aguiarnópolis and Palmeiras do Tocantins (TO)
Waterway: Tocantins River
Reservoir volume: 5.4 bi m³
Vale stake: 30%

Aerial view of the Estreito Hydroelectric Power Plant, showing the dam with multiple spillway gates and the reservoir in the background, surrounded by green areas and cloudy sky, representing renewable energy generation.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Machadinho hydroelectric power plant

Technical Data

Installed Power: 1,140 MW
Number of Machines: 3
Start-up: 2002
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Piratuba (SC) / Maximiliano de Almeida (RS)
Waterway: Pelotas River
Reservoir volume: 3.3 bi m³
Vale stake: 8.3%

Aerial view of the Machadinho Hydroelectric Power Plant, showing the dam with multiple spillway gates releasing a large volume of water, reservoir in the background surrounded by green areas and hills, representing renewable energy generation.

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Details on Vale’s participation in generation companies

Aliança Generation

Aliança Geração de Energia is a joint venture between Vale and GIP, established to operate in Brazil’s energy sector. Since beginning operations in 2015, Aliança has become one of the country’s leading private power generators.
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7 hydroelectric

power plants in their entirety or in consortia
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279  MW

of installed wind capacity

681  MW

of installed photovoltaic capacity
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2189 MW

of installed capacity (number refers to Aliança Geração's stake in the project)
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30%

Vale and 70% of GIP, in its corporate structure

Aliança Norte Energia

As a result of the partnership with Cemig, Aliança Norte owns 9% of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant. The plant is located in the state of Pará, and comprises the Pimental (233 MW) and Belo Monte (11,000 MW) sites. It is the largest 100% Brazilian hydroelectric power plant, and the 4th largest in the world.
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9%

of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant
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411 MWm

of physical guarantee*
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1011 MW

of installed capacity (number refers to Aliança Norte's stake in the project)
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51%

Salobo, Onça Puma and Vale, and 49% Cemig, in its corporate structure

For Vale, life always comes first

The dams of our hydropower plants are regularly inspected by independent specialized consulting firms, and the results are reported to the competent authorities.

All our structures have Dam Safety Plans (PSP) and Emergency Action Plans (EAP) implemented and integrated with the respective municipalities and Civil Defense agencies.

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Onda

Vale’s participation in energy generation in Canada

We have five hydroelectric power plants (PCHs) in Canada that are responsible for generating approximately 20% of the electricity demand of our Sudbury operations. 

Following our standard of inspections and safety assessments, in the province of Ontario, our dams are operated and maintained in accordance with best practices outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' (MNR) Lakes and River Improvement Act, and by the Water Management Plan of the Espanhol and Vermillion rivers, where the hydroelectric power plants are located.
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Photo: Lucas Lenci

Understand more details about PCHs:

Technical Data

Installed Power: 10 MW
Number of Machines: 4
Start-up: 1905
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Greater Sudbury (ON)  
Waterway: Spanish River  
Reservoir: Cascade after PCH Big Eddy

Image of a red brick building with several rectangular windows and a brown roof. The structure has three large arches at the base through which flowing water passes. On the right side, there is a small white bridge crossing a water channel, representing a historic hydroelectric power plant.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Technical Data

Installed Power: 8 MW
Number of Machines: 1
Start-up: 1917
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Greater Sudbury (ON)  
Waterway: Spanish River  
Reservoir: Cascade after High Falls I and Big Eddy PCHs

Image of a small hydroelectric power station located by a river. The main building is made of red bricks with large windows and sits near the riverbank. A bridge or dam-like structure extends from the building across the river, controlling water flow. Surrounding the station are trees, rocks, and additional buildings that appear to be part of the facility, showcasing the blend of industrial elements with the natural environment for energy generation.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Technical Data

Installed Power: 30 MW
Number of Machines: 3
Start-up: 1924-1929
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Greater Sudbury (ON)  
Waterway: Spanish River  
Reservoir: Lake Agnew (2.9 km²)

Image of a dam structure with water flowing down its spillway, set in a natural environment surrounded by greenery and water bodies. In the foreground, there is a red brick building likely related to the dam’s operations, such as a power station or control room. The scene emphasizes the engineering and infrastructure involved in water management and hydroelectric power generation.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Technical Data

Installed Power: 4.8 MW
Number of Machines: 2
Start-up: 1909
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Greater Sudbury (ON)  
Waterway: Vermillion River   
Reservoir: Minimum, the plant works on a run-of-river basis

Aerial image of a dam situated on a river, with water flowing over the spillway and down rocky terrain. Near the dam, there is a structure, possibly a control building or operational facility. The surrounding area is densely forested with lush green vegetation, highlighting the interaction between human infrastructure and the natural environment for water management and hydroelectric power generation.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Technical Data

Installed Power: 4.7 MW
Number of Machines: 3
Start-up: 1915
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Nairn Township (ON) 
Waterway: Spanish River   
Reservoir: Cascade after High Falls I and II and Big Eddy PCHs

Aerial image of a hydroelectric power plant located in a rocky and forested area. The facility includes a large building with multiple windows and infrastructure extending into the water, likely used to control flow and generate electricity. On the right side, there is a smaller structure connected by pathways, possibly for operational purposes. The surrounding landscape features rocky terrain and dense greenery, highlighting the integration of industrial infrastructure within the natural environment for sustainable energy production.

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Our participation in power generation in Indonesia

Our daily work, built with you, is based on a fundamental pillar: respecting and caring for our planet. In Indonesia, we produce nickel, which includes the operation of three hydroelectric plants in the country: Larona, Balambano and Karebbe.

In Indonesia, all of our dams have received a Dam Safety Certificate by the Dam Safety Commission, as requested by the country's Ministry of Public Works.
Photo of Wabageshik small hydropower plant with a concrete structure, rocks, vegetation, and moving water passing through the structures.

Photo: Vale Archive

Understand more details about the plants:

Larona hydroelectric power plant 

Technical Data

Installed Power: 195 MW
Number of Machines: 3
Start-up: 1979
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Balambano, Wasuponda 
Waterway: Larona River 
Reservoir volume: 10 mi m³

Aerial image of a dam located on a river, creating a reservoir behind the structure. The dam includes spillways and channels for managing water flow. On one side, water is released through controlled outlets, while on the other, an overflow channel directs water downstream. The surrounding landscape features lush green vegetation and some exposed soil areas. The image illustrates infrastructure used for water management and hydroelectric power generation.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Balambano hydroelectric power plant 

Technical Data

Installed Power: 137 MW
Number of Machines: 2
Start-up: 1999
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Balambano, Wasuponda 
Waterway: Larona River 
Reservoir volume: 31.5 mi m³

Image of a large dam situated in a lush, mountainous area. Water is being released through the spillways, creating mist and turbulence as it flows down the structure. Behind the dam, there is a water reservoir. The image showcases critical infrastructure for water management, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Karebbe hydroelectric power plant 

Technical Data

Installed Power: 130 MW
Number of Machines: 2
Start-up: 2011
Type of turbine: Francis

Socio-environmental data

Location: Laskap, Malili 
Waterway: Larona River 
Reservoir volume: 13.58 mi m³

Image of a large concrete dam located in a lush, mountainous area. Water is being released through the spillway, creating a misty spray as it flows down into the river below. Behind the dam, there is a water reservoir. The image highlights critical infrastructure for water management, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

Fotógrafo: xxxx

Challenges of energy consumption and decarbonization of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Our energy consumption matrix is mostly composed of electricity — essential to power our plants and ports —; diesel, used in our truck and locomotive transportation activities; as well as coal and natural gas, used in our metallurgical processes.

To accelerate decarbonization, we invest in energy efficiency, equipment electrification, and the development of solutions and technologies capable of replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives. These efforts are directly linked to our climate targets and to our commitment to building a low-carbon mining industry aligned with global best practices.

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Onda

Strategic pillars for a more sustainable energy matrix

To advance the energy transition and achieve our sustainability goals, we operate across three priority fronts that guide our initiatives and investments:

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Renewable energy: expansion of the renewable matrix — based on solar, wind, and hydropower sources — focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

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Electrification: gradual reduction of diesel use through the electrification of machines, trucks, and industrial equipment, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
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Energy efficiency: implementation of a management model to minimize waste, optimize processes, and improve energy performance across the entire production chain.

These pillars guide our operations and investments, strengthening our energy transition strategy.

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Photo: Daniel Mansur

Energy Efficiency Program

We operate an Energy Efficiency Program dedicated to disseminating energy consumption management practices across all operations. The goal is to increase the company’s competitiveness, reduce waste, and accelerate the achievement of our sustainability targets.

We create the necessary conditions to drive continuous energy performance improvements through:

  • Standardization of energy management processes, ensuring consistent practices across all operations.
  • Transparency in performance management, enabling continuous monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
  • Dedicated multidisciplinary teams to implement and operate the Program, ensuring strong governance.
  • Automated energy measurement and management systems, enhancing accuracy, control, and analytical capability.
  • This set strengthens our journey toward more efficient, safe, and sustainable operations.

Transmission and distribution

In Brazil, we operate our own transmission lines and substations, ensuring stability, availability, and security in energy supply to our operations. We also collaborate with the utilities to which we are connected, ensuring efficient and reliable integration with the national power system.

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Frequently asked questions

Vale uses 100% renewable energy in its operations in Brazil. This milestone was achieved in 2023, two years ahead of the deadline established for meeting this commitment.
Vale invests in self-generation of electricity through strategic stakes in hydropower generation consortia and in the joint ventures Aliança Geração de Energia S.A. and Aliança Norte S.A.

The dams of the hydropower plants in which Vale holds equity stakes were built using selected materials and constructed in accordance with strict engineering standards.

In addition, their operation and maintenance comply with safety requirements regulated by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL), including the annual Regular Safety Inspection (RSI) and Special Safety Inspection (SSI), as well as the Periodic Safety Review (PSR).

Currently, all dams have a safety classification defined as “normal.” In addition, the dams and other civil structures of the hydropower plants are frequently inspected by ANEEL.

Vale, through its controlled company Vale Base Metals, operates and maintains its own electricity generation and distribution assets in Canada and Indonesia, supplying part of its demand through renewable self-generation.

In Canada, Vale Base Metals operates 5 Small Hydropower Plants (SHPs), with a total capacity of 54 MW, while in Indonesia it operates 3 hydropower plants with a capacity of 365 MW.

Vale’s strategy reinforces the energy transition through the adoption of renewable fuels, efficiency improvements, and process electrification:

• Biofuels: replacement of fossil fuels with renewable alternatives in vehicle fleets and shipping, and partnerships for the development of dual-fuel technologies (ethanol and diesel) for locomotives and off-road trucks;

• Energy efficiency: technologies to reduce diesel consumption in our logistics fleet and production processes;

• Electrification: transition away from fossil fuels through the electrification of industrial equipment.

Yes, Vale has transmission lines exclusively intended to connect to the main grid and receive the electrical energy required for the consumption of its operations in certain locations in Brazil.