Itaipu hydroelectric dam aerial view with massive water release

Aerial view of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam with massive water release, highlighting its magnitude and operation.

About this subject

The Itaipu hydroelectric dam, located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the largest in the world in energy generation. Inaugurated in 1984, its construction involved a binational agreement and displaced thousands of families, in addition to altering the course of the Paraná River. The dam is 7.7 km long and 196 m high, with an installed capacity of 14 GW, enough to supply about 10% of Brazil's consumption and 85% of Paraguay's. The image shows the spillways in operation, releasing a massive volume of water, which occurs mainly during flood periods or for reservoir control. Itaipu's spillway can discharge up to 62,000 m³/s, equivalent to 40 times the average flow of Iguazu Falls. The plant is an engineering landmark and a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, generating clean and renewable energy. Additionally, the 1,350 km² reservoir is used for recreation and tourism, attracting visitors who can take boat tours and visit the visitor center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the generation capacity of the Itaipu dam?

Itaipu has an installed capacity of 14 GW, with 20 generating units of 700 MW each. In 2016, it set the world record for annual generation, with 103.1 million MWh.

How many people lived in the area before Itaipu's construction?

About 40,000 people were displaced for the reservoir construction, including the city of Guaíra (PR) and the Sete Quedas waterfalls, which were submerged.

Is it possible to visit the Itaipu dam?

Yes, Itaipu offers guided tours, including a panoramic tour that goes over the dam and spillway, as well as boat rides on the reservoir. The visitor center receives about 500,000 tourists per year.