Itaipu Dam

Itaipu Dam is a binational hydroelectric complex on the Paraná River, jointly operated by Brazil and Paraguay. Its power station is among the world’s largest by installed capacity.

Hydroelectricity: Electricity generated by converting the energy of moving or falling water. Itaipu’s generators turn water released through turbines into electrical power.
Treaty of Itaipu: A 1973 agreement between Brazil and Paraguay establishing the framework for developing the Paraná River hydroelectric project. It created the legal and financial basis for the joint dam.
Itaipu electricity exports: Electricity generated at Itaipu and delivered to Brazil or Paraguay through interconnected power systems. The division and sale of its output connect dam operations to both national grids.
Itaipu Dam spillway: The spillway system at Itaipu Dam, designed to discharge water that bypasses the turbines. Its gated channels make excess-water management visible at the site.
Francis turbine: A water turbine that extracts energy from flowing water using a mixed radial and axial flow path. Itaipu’s generating units use Francis turbines to drive their generators.
Itaipu Binacional: The binational entity created by Brazil and Paraguay to build and operate Itaipu. This company carries out the joint ownership and operation set by the treaty.
Yacyretá Dam: A binational hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River, jointly operated by Argentina and Paraguay. It offers a regional comparison in shared river development and binational power generation.
Itaipu generating units: The turbine-generator units at Itaipu, installed in two principal frequency designs for the Brazilian and Paraguayan systems. Their differing electrical frequencies reflect the two countries’ grid requirements.
Hydraulic head: The difference in water-surface elevation that determines available hydraulic energy. The reservoir-to-tailwater height difference helps determine power output at Itaipu.
Paraná River: A major South American river flowing through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Itaipu was built across this river near the Brazil–Paraguay border.

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