Itaipu hydroelectric dam aerial view with massive water release

Aerial view of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam during a controlled water release, highlighting its monumental scale.

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 power generation. Inaugurated in 1984, its construction involved a binational agreement and lasted about 10 years, employing thousands of workers. The dam is 7.7 km long and 196 m high, forming a reservoir that extends over 1,350 km². The image shows one of the floodgates open, releasing a massive volume of water that can reach 62,200 m³/s, equivalent to 25 Olympic swimming pools per second. This operation is common during flood periods or for maintenance, and the water spectacle attracts tourists from around the world. Itaipu supplies about 10% of Brazil's energy consumption and 90% of Paraguay's, serving as a symbol of cooperation and sustainable development. The plant also runs environmental education and biodiversity conservation programs, with reforestation areas and protection of endangered species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the power generation capacity of the Itaipu dam?

Itaipu has an installed capacity of 14,000 MW, with 20 generating units. In 2023, it generated about 80 million MWh.

Why does the dam release water through the floodgates?

The release is done to control the reservoir level, prevent upstream flooding, or during turbine maintenance. It is a planned and safe operation.

Is Itaipu the largest hydroelectric dam in the world?

In installed capacity, Itaipu has been surpassed by the Three Gorges Dam (China). However, Itaipu still holds the record for the largest annual energy production, with 103.1 million MWh in 2016.