With an agreement between Brazil and Paraguay, Itaipu Binational started to be constructed in the Parana River in 1975. Nine years later the hydroelectric power plant began to operate and some years later it already produced enough energy to maintain Brazil for 81 days. It is the world´s largest hydroelectric plant in power output.
Itaipu was elected one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 1995 by the North-American Engineer Association. People who visit Itaipu agree and get very impressed with the colossal size of the power plant that was constructed by men and it is recognized as the century´s construction.
Two more turbines begin to work in 2007, so today there are 18 turbines with the total power of 14 million kilowatts and three spillways sometimes opened in January and February, rainy season in Brazil, the water forms a spectacular show!
The nature of this place was heavily damaged with Itaipu´s construction. That is why the hydroelectric power plant developed many programs of environmental preservation, like reforesting, creation of wild animals in captivities, environmental education and fauna and flora protection.
Itaipu Binational has got different visitation modalities:
- Technical-Scientific Company Tour: restricted to authorities, universities, institutions, colleges. It is done on the external and internal parts of the power plant. It is not allowed to wear skirts, shorts and slippers.
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