The technical visit to the plant’s facilities took place on Monday (30), one day before the start of the meetings on energy transition in Foz do Iguaçu
On a technical visit conducted on Monday (30), representatives from various countries participating in the G20 and CEM/MI meetings toured the facilities of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant, including the Central and Spillway Lookouts, as well as the Biogas and BioSyncrude Demonstration Unit, a synthetic alternative to oil. This event precedes the meetings on energy transition taking place in Foz do Iguaçu from October 1 to 4, at the Mabu and Bourbon hotels.
Photo: Sara Cheida/Itaipu Binacional.
Ricardo Gorini, leader of the REmap Program at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) based in Bonn, Germany, is responsible for scenario studies and energy roadmaps for the energy transition. Gorini has represented Brazil in several international forums, such as Sherpa for Mission Innovation (MI) and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), and coordinated the energy group of the Brazilian Forum on Climate Change.
“Itaipu is a living example of the importance of renewable energy projects, especially hydroelectric plants. Hydropower generation is not only crucial in itself, but also complements other renewable sources, such as solar and wind, by providing services that these other sources cannot,” Gorini commented.
Peter Kenuthia, energy expert from the African Union Commission, is in Brazil for the third time. Representing Kenya, Kenuthia will participate in the G20 meeting and intends to attend the CEM/MI.
During the visit, Kenuthia expressed his admiration. “It’s wonderful. I am impressed with the arrangements, the contractual and legal complexities involved. I think it’s very impressive that the two countries have managed to achieve this,” he stated.
Benedetta Tirabassi, an official from the European Commission, is in Brazil to participate in the CEM/MI meetings. Tirabassi, who coordinates the European Commission’s efforts and bilateral relations in clean energy technology, expressed her admiration for the infrastructure and organization of the Itaipu plant.
“This is the first time I have visited such a facility. It is very nice to see a public company led by two countries, and at the same time, with a similar way of thinking. Everything is perfectly organized. The daily energy production is impressive,” Tirabassi stated.
She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the area of clean energy and the partnership with Brazil in Mission Innovation. “We are very happy to be partners with Brazil in Mission Innovation. And we look forward to seeing how we can collaborate. It starts with companies, with investments, and that’s how you achieve a higher political level, with a good outcome,” she explained.
Peter Dale, head of Global Sector Transitions at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero Emissions in England, has been to Brazil before, but this is his first visit to the Itaipu plant. “I knew it was the third largest in the world and expected something massive, but only when you get close do you truly appreciate the scale, structure, and engineering. It’s incredible. Entering the turbine room was a moment of realizing that this is probably one of the largest structures I have ever seen. Seeing this, 50 years after its construction and generating electricity, is fascinating.”
In the afternoon, the visitors took a tour to see the Iguassu Falls.
