Itaipu hydroelectric dam aerial view with massive water release

Aerial view of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam with massive water release, highlighting its grandeur and energy importance.

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 lasted nearly a decade, employing thousands of workers. The main dam is 7,919 meters long and 196 meters high, forming a reservoir that stretches over 1,350 km². The aerial view shows the controlled release of water through the spillways, an essential operation to regulate the reservoir level and prevent floods, as well as generate energy during peak times. Itaipu supplies about 10% of Brazil's energy consumption and 90% of Paraguay's demand, serving as a symbol of international cooperation and cutting-edge engineering. The plant uses 20 generating units, each with a capacity of 700 MW, totaling 14 GW installed. In 2020, it broke the world record for annual production, with 103.1 million MWh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Itaipu's total generation capacity?

Itaipu has 20 generating units of 700 MW each, totaling 14,000 MW of installed capacity.

Why is water released through the spillways?

Controlled release prevents reservoir overflow during flood periods and allows adjustment of energy generation according to demand.

Is Itaipu the largest hydroelectric dam in the world?

In annual generation, Itaipu was once the largest, but now ranks second behind the Three Gorges Dam in China. However, it remains the largest among binational plants.