ITAIPU

ITAIPU

Introduction

The Itaipu Dam, the world's second-largest hydroelectric power station after the Three Gorges Dam, is located on the Paraná River along the border between Brazil and Paraguay. This section of the river boasts a high volume of water flow and rapid currents. The governments of both countries jointly developed this hydropower resource. After 16 years of construction and an investment exceeding $17 billion, the world-renowned Itaipu Dam was completed in May 1991. The dam stretches 7,744 meters in length and stands 196 meters high, spanning the Paraná River to form an artificial lake covering 1,350 square kilometers with a water storage capacity of 29 billion cubic meters. The power station is equipped with 18 generating units, boasting a total installed capacity of 12.6 million kilowatts and an annual power generation capacity of up to 75 billion kilowatt-hours.

In the vast tropical jungles of South America, a mighty river flows—the Paraná River, which forms the border between southern Brazil and the neighboring countries of Argentina and Paraguay. As the second-largest river in South America, the Paraná traverses the continent through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Prone to frequent flooding, the river often forces residents to evacuate their homes and return only after the waters recede to repair the damage. Indigenous people call the Paraná River the "Father of Waters," referring to its reddish-brown, muddy flow. At the Iguazu Falls, the spectacular scene of water plummeting down from great heights is nothing short of earth-shattering.

The countries east of the Andes Mountains in South America are among the most water-rich regions on Earth, with abundant river systems such as the Amazon, the La Plata, and the Paraná nurturing the civilization and prosperity of the surrounding areas. However, having such resources nearby without benefiting from them, or entering a treasure trove and leaving empty-handed, is truly a regret for humanity. The ceaselessly flowing Paraná River, instead of benefiting mankind, has often brought disaster to the region—something that has caused many forward-thinking individuals to sigh in frustration. Since its economic takeoff in the 1970s, Brazil has experienced two major energy crises. Drawing lessons from the past and foreseeing the growing energy demands of future economic and social development, the Brazilian government made the resolute decision to collaborate with Paraguay in building the world's largest hydroelectric power station at the time—the Itaipu Dam.

Brazil – Brasília