ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Faced with the challenge of ensuring the expansion of energy supply in Brazil, which is based on a renewable matrix, with the lowest social and environmental impact possible, this paper aims to make a critical analysis of the environmental licensing process applied to hydropower plants in Brazil. It aims at analyzing the strengths and limitations of this instrument as well as proposing possible adjustments to the rules and procedures in order to contribute to the decision making process so as to expand the supply of renewable energy in the country, through the efficient and environmentally appropriate use of the water resources available.
