Itaipu hydroelectric dam aerial view with massive water release

Aerial view of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam with spillway in operation, showing the massive water flow and the symmetry of the structure.

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 involved a binational agreement and generated about 40,000 jobs. The main dam is 7.7 km long and 196 m high, forming a reservoir that stretches over 1,350 km². The spillway, capable of discharging up to 62,200 m³ of water per second, is activated during flood periods or to control the reservoir level. This controlled release prevents structural damage and ensures operational safety. The aerial view highlights the symmetry of the funnel-shaped spillway, where falling water creates a vapor cloud visible for kilometers. Itaipu supplies about 10% of Brazil's electricity consumption and 86% of Paraguay's. In 2020, it broke the world record for annual generation, with 93.4 million MWh. The dam is also a major tourist attraction, receiving over 500,000 visitors per year, who can visit the spillway viewpoint and the interior of the dam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total generation capacity of the Itaipu dam?

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

Why is the Itaipu spillway activated?

The spillway is activated to control the reservoir level during heavy rainfall or to relieve pressure on the dam, ensuring its safety.

How many visitors does Itaipu receive per year?

The dam receives about 500,000 visitors annually, who can take tours of the spillway viewpoint, the dam, and the visitor center.