Reference no: EM13881591

In 2010, Brazil began construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam on the Xingu River (which feeds the Amazon River). The project is funded by a consortium of investors and is expected to cost $11 billion. It will begin producing electricity in 2015. Even though the dam will provide clean energy for millions of people, environmentalists are sharply opposed. They say it will devastate wildlife and the livelihoods of 40,000 people who live in the area to be fl ooded. Assume that the funding will occur evenly over the 5-year period from 2010 through 2014 at $2.2 billion per year. The disbenefi ts are estimated to be $100,000 for each displaced person and $1 billion for wildlife destruction. Assume that the disbenefi ts will occur evenly through the 5-year construction period and anticipated benefi ts will begin at the end of 2015 and continue indefi nitely. Use an interest rate of 8% per year to determine what the equivalent annual benefits must be to ensure a B/C ratio of at least 1.0.