Piabanha, a century of history
Memória da Eletricidade brings together records about Piabanha Power Plant and its role in the history of electrification in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
This exhibition presents rare images of the plant's construction, gathered from one of the first collections donated to Memória da Eletricidade.
A powerful record of engineering, work and transformation.
Piabanha River (1908-09-09) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3352/if0019-02-rio-piabanha
Piabanha River: the beginning of it all
In the early 1900s, in the midst of transformations in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the construction of Alberto Torres Power Plant, in the city of Três Rios, marked a decisive step in the country's electrification. Popularly called Piabanha Power Plant, it became a symbol of the modernization that was arriving in the region.
Piabanha River and Worker (1906-09-09/1908-05-05) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3355/if0019-05-rio-piabanha-e-operario
Guinle Co., the main electricity supplier in the State at the time, acquired an area on the banks of the Piabanha River in 1905. It was chosen because of the region's strong hydraulic potential, which is essential for installing the plant.
Pioneers and Workers on a Catwalk (1906/1907) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3424/if0023-05-pioneiros-e-trabalhadores-sobre-passadico
Overcoming geography
Piabanha Hydroelectric Power Plant was a pioneer when it was installed in a mountainous region, overcoming the challenges of the terrain with innovative engineering solutions. Its construction represented a milestone in technical progress and in the internalization of electrical infrastructure.
Engineers, Workers, and Cargo Transport at the Piabanha Power Plant (1907/1908) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32155/if0022-06-engenheiros-e-trabalhadores-e-transporte-de-carga-da-usina-de-piabanha
Waterfall Near the Piabanha HPP Area (1906/1907) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3421/if0023-02-cachoeira-nos-arredores-da-localidade-da-uhe-de-piabanha
Foundations of the Piabanha Hydroelectric Plant (1906/1908) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3367/if0019-18-fundacoes-usina-hidreletrica-piabanha
Cascatinha Transmission Line (1908-03-30) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3000/if0016-05-linha-de-transmissao-cascatinha
With its power supply, the plant was decisive for the industrialization and urban growth of Rio de Janeiro's mountainous region, serving municipalities such as Petrópolis, Niterói, São Gonçalo, Magé and Três Rios.
Construction of the Tailrace Canal (1906-10/1908-07) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/31943/if0017-04-construcao-do-canal-de-fuga
Engineering in motion
The construction of the plant began in 1906 with the aim of transforming the river's potential into electricity. It was the start of a daring project that involved complex logistical solutions and great ingenuity.
Workers Testing Pipeline Fitment (1908-04-01) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32367/if0026-19-trabalhadores-testando-o-ajustamento-do-encanamento
Setting up the plant required overcoming challenges. Innovative technical solutions were needed to overcome steep and isolated terrain, which represented a pioneering feat of electrical engineering in the State.
Locomotive Transporting Penstock Components (1906/1908) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/278/construcao-dos-condutos-forcados-da-usina-de-piabanha
Located in a region of rugged terrain and far from major cities, the project required ingenious solutions for transporting materials and advancing construction over difficult terrain.
View from Above the Surge Tank of the Pipelines (1907-01/1908-05-04) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32078/if0020-19-vista-do-alto-do-reservatorio-de-compensacao-dos-encanamentos
View of the Completed Dam with Waterfall (1908-08-31) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32231/if0025-21-vista-da-barragem-concluida-com-queda-dagua
The dam was built using techniques that were considered innovative for the time, taking advantage of the natural gradient of Piabanha River to move hydraulic turbines and ensure efficient energy production.
Construction Works of the Generator House (1908-03-18) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32599/if0030-22-obras-de-construcao-da-casa-geradora
Back then, republican Brazil received a significant influx of immigrants, whose labor played a fundamental role in the advancement of productive activities and at the beginning of the country's industrialization and modernization process.
Construction Works of the Powerhouse (1908-01-08) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32579/if0030-03-obras-de-construcao-da-casa-geradora
Generator Station of the Piabanha Hydroelectric Power Plant (1908-07-28) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3539/if0029-03-estacao-geradora-da-usina-hidreletrica-de-piabanha
Memory of a beginning
Piabanha Hydroelectric Power Plant was inaugurated in 1908, with an installed capacity of 9,600 kW and a transmission line approximately 96 km long.
Interior of the Piabanha Power Plant (1908-03-03/1908-11-25) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32608/if0031-02-interior-da-usina-de-piabanha
Electric Lighting Poles on Praia Street, Niterói (1908-07-22) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32901/if0033-03-postes-de-iluminacao-eletrica-na-rua-da-praia-em-niteroi
Illuminated cities
In 1909, the Brazilian Electric Power Company (Companhia Brasileira de Energia Elétrica – CBEE) was founded by Guinle & Co., which took control of the plant and its concessions. The contracts signed with Companhia Cantareira and Viação Fluminense were aimed at supplying power to the electric streetcar lines in Niterói.
Engineers of the Piabanha Power Plant (1906) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/33025/if0105-01-engenheiros-da-usina-de-piabanha
Documented history
Engineer César Rabello was responsible for the project, for the plant execution and for the organization of the photographic records. The collection was donated by his grandson to Memória da Eletricidade in the 1980s, one of the first donations received.
Testimony by Cesar Rabello Cotrim – Exhibition 'Piabanha, a Century of History' (2025) by Memória da EletricidadeMemória da Eletricidade
Group on Horseback Near the Piabanha Hydroelectric Plant (1906/1907) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32151/if0022-04-engenheiros-e-trabalhadores-da-usina-hidreletrica-de-piabanha
The collection, made up of more than 400 images, documents techniques, machinery and other aspects that preserve the memory of the electricity sector and the social memory of work.
Interior of the Turbine (1908-03-03/1908-11-25) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32619/if0031-13-interior-da-turbina
Photographic records play the role of documenting a period of progress in the Brazilian history, acting as a means of information and knowledge, without losing their aesthetic value.
Base of Transmission Tower (1908-04-30) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/1815/linhas-e-torres-de-transmissao-da-usina-hidreletrica-piabanha
The camera's gaze
The photographs of Piabanha Plant reveal more than technical records. The photographer's gaze is present in each image, guiding the viewer's attention to details that highlight the grandeur of the work and the strength of the labor.
Turbine Installed at the Piabanha Hydroelectric Power Plant (1908-04-04) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32576/if0028-03-turbina-instalada-na-usina-hidreletrica-de-piabanha
The angles chosen are not neutral. In many photos, the composition highlights imposing structures and the presence of workers, revealing aesthetic and narrative intentions behind each click.
View of a Construction Stage of the Spillway (1908-11-09) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3331/if0018-08-vista-de-etapa-da-construcao-do-vertedouro
Oil Switches of the Piabanha Power Plant (1908-11-25) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/32611/if0031-05-interruptores-de-oleo-da-usina-de-piabanha
It's not possible to pinpoint the exact photographic equipment used, but it is known that the process used was negative-positive.
Engineers and Workers of the Piabanha Hydroelectric Power Plant (1908) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3001/if0016-06-base-de-torre-de-transmissao
Crossing paths
From these images, information and reflections of the past can be recovered by analyzing iconographic elements such as clothing, social markers and aspects of collective memory present in the expressions, settings and gestures recorded.
Engineer and Workers at the Piabanha Hydroelectric Power Plant (1906/1907) by UnknownOriginal Source: https://www.memoriadaeletricidade.com.br/acervo/3425/if0023-06-engenheiro-e-trabalhadores-da-usina-hidreletrica-de-piabanha
Memória da Eletricidade Pamphlet – 80 Years of Piabanha (2025) by Memória da EletricidadeMemória da Eletricidade
A shared story
Part of the collection has already been shown in an exhibition produced by Memória da Eletricidade, reaffirming its commitment to the history of the Brazilian electricity sector.
Powerhouse Facade of the Piabanha Hydroelectric Plant (1988) by Mario Penna BheringMemória da Eletricidade
Historical legacy
To learn about the history of Piabanha Plant is to understand how electricity began to transform Brazil. To preserve this pioneering milestone is to value the challenges we have overcome, to recognize the memories that have brought us this far and to inspire the paths we are yet to follow.
Credits: history CENTER OF MEMÓRIA DA ELETRICIDADE IN BRAZIL Copyright © 2025
President | ALBERTO GALVÃO MOURA JARDIM
Executive Officer | CLAUDIA TRIGUEIRO
Collection and Research Manager | AMANDA CARVALHO
Acting Production and Editorial Manager | CLAUDIA TRIGUEIRO Communications and Marketing Manager | LEILA GUIMARÃES
Finance and Human Resources Manager | ALESSANDRA SOUTO MAIOR
Exhibition | PIABANHA, A CENTURY OF HISTORY
Realization | MEMÓRIA DA ELETRICIDADE
Partnership | GOOGLE ARTS & CULTURE
Launch | JUNE, 2025
Technical Data:
Coordination | AMANDA CARVALHO
Curatorship | BRUNA MARTONI
Research and Content | BRUNA MARTONI
Review | VINÍCIUS TRINDADE
Images and Collection | MEMÓRIA DA ELETRICIDADE – CESAR RABELLO COTRIM
Image Treatment | VANESSA BARANDA
Social Media | LEILA GUIMARÃES
Design and Digital Adaptation | BRUNA MARTONI AND LAMARK MORAIS Videos and Editing | MARY PAZ GUILLÉN AND LAMARK MORAIS
Credits: all media In some cases, it is possible that the featured story was created by independent third parties. Therefore, it may not represent the views of the institutions listed below, which provided the content. Memória da Eletricidade
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