The Itaipu Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, located on the Parana River at the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Here is an in-depth look at its history, construction, and significance:
History and Construction
- Conception: The idea of harnessing the Parana River for hydroelectric power was proposed in the 1960s. The agreement between Brazil and Paraguay to build the dam was signed in 1973.
- Construction: Construction began in January 1971, but the actual building of the dam started in 1975. Over 40,000 workers were involved in the project, making it one of the largest construction sites in history.
- Completion: The first unit began operating in 1984, and the last of the 20 generating units was installed in 2007, significantly increasing the dam's capacity.
Technical Specifications
- Size: The dam is 7,919 meters long, with a maximum height of 196 meters.
- Capacity: It has an installed generation capacity of 14,000 megawatts, with a record output of 103,098,366 megawatt-hours in 2016.
- Reservoir: The reservoir created by the dam has an area of 1,350 km², stretching 170 km in length and averaging 10 km in width.
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Economic: The dam supplies nearly 75% of Paraguay's electricity and 15% of Brazil's electricity, significantly impacting the economies of both countries.
- Environmental: The construction led to the displacement of around 10,000 families, and there are ongoing debates about its environmental impact, including changes to local ecosystems and fish migration patterns.
Notable Events
- Accident: In January 2008, an accident during maintenance work led to the death of 15 workers, which highlighted safety issues at the site.
- Eco-friendly Initiatives: Recent years have seen the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives, like the release of water to simulate natural river flow for ecological benefits.
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