Itaipu hydroelectric dam aerial view with massive water release

Aerial view of Itaipu hydroelectric dam with spillway in operation, releasing a massive volume of water on an overcast day.

About this subject

The Itaipu hydroelectric dam, located on the Paraná River at the border between Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the largest in the world in terms of energy generation. Inaugurated in 1984, its construction took about 10 years and involved a binational agreement. The dam is 7,919 meters long and 196 meters high, forming a reservoir that stretches over 1,350 km². On days of heavy rain or for lake level control, the spillway is opened, releasing up to 40,000 m³ of water per second, equivalent to 40 Olympic swimming pools per second. This operation is crucial for the safety of the structure and to prevent downstream flooding. Itaipu has an installed capacity of 14,000 MW, supplying about 10% of Brazil's energy demand and 90% of Paraguay's. The plant is an engineering landmark and a symbol of cooperation between the two countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the generation capacity of the Itaipu dam?

Itaipu has an installed capacity of 14,000 MW, supplying about 90% of Paraguay's energy and 10% of Brazil's.

Why is the Itaipu spillway opened?

The spillway is opened to control the reservoir level during heavy rains or for maintenance, preventing overloading of the dam and downstream flooding.

What volume of water does the Itaipu spillway release?

The spillway can release up to 40,000 cubic meters of water per second, equivalent to 40 Olympic swimming pools per second.