Seeking the development of the country, large works are often built to accelerate development and growth, among them the construction of hydroelectric plants. In Brazil, the demand for electricity is significant and the interest in hydroelectric plants is constant, due to the country's water characteristics. Although this type of work is aimed at development, there is a great socio- environmental impact caused to the detriment of the construction of hydroelectric plants. In this aspect, we sought to carry out a research with the objective of identifying the socio-environmental impacts in Porto Nacional - TO, caused by the construction of the Lajeado Hydroelectric Power Plant. UHE Lajeado was the first plant built after a change in the Brazilian energy sector, privatizing this construction, and has a great representation on the national scene. For its construction, an extensive area was flooded, directly and indirectly affecting the lives of thousands of people, mainly in the municipality of Porto Nacional, since it has the largest number of families and communities affected. Through the research, it was identified that the construction of the UHE Lajeado caused a compulsory displacement, the resettlement of families in places that made them have a social, economic, cultural impact, among others. Riverside communities that used the river for subsistence had their lives changed. Rural workers, workers linked to the beaches, had their activities harmed, and even after policies to minimize these impacts, the problems continue. The Porto Nacional beach was flooded and the construction of a new one did not meet expectations, in addition to having a great environmental impact on the fauna and flora. In this sense, it is concluded that there must be the development of public policies that ensure the environmental, social and cultural preservation of communities, as well as new alternatives for energy generation must be implemented.
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