Objective: The study aimed avaliation the environmental impacts caused by electricity transmission lines in the Southeast region and the mitigating measures for such impacts.
Theoretical Framework: It is necessary to distribute electricity throughout the country's regions, aiming to provide the entire population with access to electricity. The Southeast region of Brazil has a high demand for electricity, and it is necessary to have a large electricity transmission network. However, the implementation of electricity transmission lines can cause significant changes to the environment.
Method: Environmental impacts were obtained in the planning, implementation and operation phases of the electricity transmission lines, based on six Environmental Impact Reports and two Environmental Impact Studies of the Southeast region. Measures to mitigate the impacts of these studies and reports were also studied.
Results and Discussion: Six, 53 and 40 environmental impacts were identified, respectively, for the planning, implementation and operation of electricity transmission lines. Most of the impacts were categorized as negative, with 16 impacts classified as high magnitude. Several actions were recommended to mitigate the impacts, which should be properly implemented and monitored. Important positive impacts are provided by electricity transmission lines for the socioeconomic environment.
Research Implications: Environmental changes caused by electricity transmission lines are listed, and their causes and implications are discussed.
Originality/Value: This study promotes knowledge gains on the subject, providing the basis for reducing the damage caused to the environment by electricity transmission lines.