Itaipu Binacional has reached a historic milestone in the generation of accumulated energy. On Tuesday (27th), at 4:13 pm, the power plant that generated the most clean and renewable energy on the planet recorded 2.9 billion MWh produced since it started operating in May 1984. The number reinforces the Itaipu’s prominent role in Brazil and Paraguay’s energy security.
According to the Brazilian Director-General, Anatalicio Risden Junior, the company remains an example of efficiency for the world, and the records prove the strategic capacity it has to ensure the development of both countries. “Itaipu is a clean, cheap and safe source of energy. Brazil and Paraguay know that they can count on the production of the plant whenever there is demand for load. This creates security for the productive sector, so it can grow without concern,” he said.
To help grasp the idea, the 2.9 billion MWh produced by Itaipu would be enough to supply the whole world for 46 days; Brazil for six years and one month; Paraguay for 167 years; State of São Paulo for 22 years and five months; Minas Gerais for 52 years; and Paraná for 90 years and five months.
Itaipu’s new mark comes at a time when there are significant changes in the Brazilian electricity sector. “There is a transition of matrices, sources such as solar and wind are increasingly being incorporated into the grid. However, Itaipu remains a great guarantee of power to meet the need at times when these new sources are not enough, ” explained Itaipu’s executive technical director, David Krug.
This is because, if there is any need to increase production, such as during the night or a period without expressive winds, Itaipu’s generating units are able to enter full operation in a few minutes. Such agility makes Itaipu a guarantee of supply in times of peak demand and greater consumption, functioning as an immense battery for the energy tranquility of the country. In the last 12 months, the binational hydroelectric plant accounted for 8.6% of the electricity supply in the Brazilian market and 86.3% of Paraguay’s.
