Legislative Assembly Grants EEM Management of Calheta Hydroelectric Development
The Legislative Assembly has granted EEM the concession for water resource use and recognized it as the managing entity for the Calheta hydroelectric complex, classified as a multi-purpose development.
The Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira approved Regional Legislative Decree No. 16/2026/M, of August 4th, which establishes the legal framework for the operation of the Calheta Hydroelectric Development. This legislation has two main objectives: to grant EEM - Empresa de Electricidade da Madeira, S. A. the concession for the private use of the water resources associated with the development and to recognize it as the managing entity for this project, classified as a multi-purpose equivalent development.
The Calheta Hydroelectric Development is a fundamental pillar for the diversification and security of the regional electricity system, integrating the Calheta I, Calheta II (or Inverno), Calheta III (Dr. Rui Rebelo) power plants and the Lombo Brasil Mini-Hydro Power Plant, as well as an extensive network of levadas (water channels), tunnels, and dams.
The decree establishes that the concession for the capture of surface water and the implementation of infrastructure will be formalized in a contract to be signed between EEM and the members of the Regional Government with responsibilities in the areas of environment and hydraulics. In parallel, the management of hydraulic infrastructure (such as dams, levadas, and surge chambers) located upstream of the water delivery points for other users will be exercised by EEM, which assumes rigorous obligations for safety, conservation, and environmental monitoring.
The main users of the managed infrastructure are EEM itself, for energy production, and ARM - Águas e Resíduos da Madeira, S. A., for public supply and irrigation. The management will have an initial term of 50 years, extendable.
Related articles
Madeira Government Sets New Maximum Fuel Prices
The Regional Secretariat for Economy and Finance has approved the new maximum retail prices for gasoline and diesel, effective September 21.
New Fuel Support Package Covers Transport, Firefighters, Charities, and Porto Santo Bakeries
The Regional Government has approved a new exceptional support framework to compensate for rising fuel prices, aimed at sectors such as public transport, firefighters, charities, and bakery companies on Porto Santo.
APRAM Announces License Application for Hangar C4 at São Lázaro Nautical Center
Marina da Baía do Funchal, S.A. has applied to APRAM for a 10-year private use license for Hangar C4, with a monthly fee of 300 euros plus VAT.