Water, energy and human development in the Brazilian Amazon: a municipal human development index adjusted for accesses

Thanks to its enormous untapped water potential, Brazil provides its electricity matrix with more than 60% hydroelectric power. This technology has had controversial impacts, which questioned its sustainability and stressed its likelihood to jeopardize the development of affected areas. We analyze here one of the main electricity producers: the state of Pará. By using a human development perspective, we integrate the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI) with indicators of water and energy access through a principal components analysis. The comparison between the achievements of the municipalities affected and not affected by hydroelectric projects advocates policy makers to improve accesses in order to convey development, not just growth.