Itaipu hydroelectric dam aerial view with massive water release

Aerial view of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam showing a massive controlled water release during late afternoon.

About this subject

The Itaipu hydroelectric dam, located on the Paraná River at the border between Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the largest power plants in the world. Inaugurated in 1984, its construction required a binational agreement and involved excavating 50 million cubic meters of earth and rock. The main dam stretches 7.7 km and reaches a maximum height of 196 m. With an installed capacity of 14 GW, it supplies about 15% of Brazil's electricity demand and 90% of Paraguay's. Massive water releases occur during floods or maintenance, using spillways that can discharge up to 62,000 cubic meters per second. This spectacle attracts visitors worldwide, especially in late afternoon when sunlight creates rainbows in the water curtains. Itaipu exemplifies international cooperation and sustainability, having generated over 2.8 billion MWh since operations began.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many turbines does the Itaipu plant have?

Itaipu has 20 generating turbines, each with a capacity of 700 MW, totaling 14 GW of installed power.

What is Itaipu's annual generation record?

The record was set in 2016, with 103.1 million MWh generated, enough to power the entire world for about 40 hours.

Can visitors tour the Itaipu dam?

Yes, the dam offers guided tours, including the Itaipu Tourist Complex, with bus tours and viewpoints to observe the dam and spillways.