Itaipu Dam - dam on river Parana - second of the biggest hydroelectric power plant on the world
Where is located Itaipu Dam?
Address of Itaipu Dam is Brazil and Paraguay
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When was built Itaipu Dam?
Built date of Itaipu Dam is 1979 - start of construction
October 13, 1982 - opening
1991 - completion of works
Facts, informations and history of Itaipu Dam
The Itaipu Dam is a true colossus in the world of engineering and energy, which over the years has gained a reputation as one of the greatest achievements of modern civilization. This enormous concrete structure is located on the Parana River, which forms the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Its construction required an incredible logistical and technological effort, and its importance to both countries and the world is difficult to overestimate. However, before we delve into the technical details, it is worth knowing the background that makes Itaipu so unique.
History of the Itaipu Dam
Construction of the Itaipu Dam began in 1971 and was completed in 1984. During these years, approximately 37,000 workers worked on the construction site, who had to face considerable challenges. This was no ordinary construction project – it required a huge amount of resources, including millions of tons of concrete, iron, and steel. The dam structure itself is 4.8 miles long (about 8 km) and 225 meters high, making it one of the largest dams in the world in terms of size and energy output. That’s the equivalent of a 75-story skyscraper!
Not only did the construction use a huge amount of materials, but a special channel had to be dug to control the flow of the Parana River. The channel was 2 kilometers long and 150 meters wide, which is a testament to the scale of the engineering work that went into its construction. The dam’s construction required around 50 million tons of earth and rock, and the amount of concrete used could have been used to build eight medium-sized cities! In terms of the amount of iron and steel used, it is comparable to the amount needed to build 380 Eiffel Towers.
Technical and structural data of the Itaipu Dam
The Itaipu Dam is a huge concrete structure whose dimensions are breathtaking. As already mentioned, it is almost 8 km long and 225 meters high. However, these data are only the beginning of the impressive facts. The Parana River itself, on which the dam was built, is 400 meters wide and 60 meters deep at this point. With such parameters, it was natural that the Itaipu Dam had to be designed to withstand the enormous forces of nature.
For the power plant, 30 generators were built, each with a capacity of 700,000 kilowatts, giving a total production capacity of 25,000 MW. To better understand how enormous these numbers are, Itaipu supplies 25% of Brazil's electricity and 78% of Paraguay's energy. This is one of the main reasons why both countries are able to develop their economies with such high levels of energy demand.
But that's not all! The Itaipu Dam created an artificial lake with a surface area of 1,350 km², which has a significant impact on the local environment and tourism. The lake attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year who want to see one of the engineering marvels with their own eyes.
Tourism around the Itaipu Dam
The Itaipu Dam not only provides electricity, but has also become one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. Since its completion, it has attracted over 9 million visitors from 162 countries. This place attracts tourists not only because of its size, but also because of the symbolism it carries. For many, it is proof of how large projects can be implemented through international cooperation. Every year, around 700,000 people come there, which additionally supports the local economy and develops the tourist infrastructure.
A special visitor center has been built around the dam, which offers the opportunity to see the dam from different perspectives - both from land and water. In addition, there are numerous exhibitions presenting the history of the construction, as well as the importance of Itaipu for Brazil, Paraguay and the world. Interestingly, the American Society of Civil Engineers has recognized the Itaipu Dam as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World". This is undoubtedly an honorable distinction that emphasizes what a great achievement this structure is.
Impact on the natural environment
Like any giant engineering project, the Itaipu Dam is not free from controversy related to its impact on the natural environment. Building a dam on the Parana River had a huge impact on the local ecosystem. First of all, the creation of an artificial lake with an area of 1,350 km² changed the course of the river and its surroundings. Many species of plants and animals had to adapt to the new conditions, and unfortunately some of them became extinct.
However, thanks to modern technologies and approaches to environmental protection, Itaipu is trying to minimize its impact on nature. Numerous projects are being carried out on the dam site to protect endangered species and restore destroyed ecosystems. Among other things, ecological activities include breeding rare fish and protecting endangered bird species.
Thanks to such initiatives, the Itaipu Dam is becoming a symbol not only of technological power, but also of environmental responsibility. Although its construction had some negative effects on nature, modern approaches to environmental protection mean that these effects can be reduced.
The social dimension of the construction of the dam
The construction of the Itaipu Dam is not only a story of gigantic numbers and great technological achievements. It is also the story of the people who worked on the construction of this giant. For the 37,000 workers who worked on Itaipu, special housing estates were built, which became their temporary home. The developments included 500 apartment blocks, as well as four hospitals, schools for 16,000 children, cinemas and restaurants. The entire town was designed to meet the needs of all workers and their families.
This project shows the great impact that the construction of the dam had not only on the economy, but also on people's lives. The workers who dedicated years of their lives to the construction of Itaipu were an integral part of this undertaking and their efforts should not be forgotten.
The importance of the Itaipu Dam in the 21st century
The modern world is increasingly relying on renewable energy sources, and the Itaipu Dam is a prime example of this. Thanks to it, Brazil and Paraguay are able to meet their enormous energy needs with minimal use of fossil fuels. Hydroelectric power plants like Itaipu are a key element in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of sustainable development.
However, it is worth remembering that as the world changes, so must technology. The Itaipu Dam, while impressive, must be continually modernized to meet growing energy demands. In the future, it may be necessary to increase its capacity or introduce new technologies that will further reduce its impact on the natural environment.
Itaipu Dam Awards and Recognition
Since its completion, the Itaipu Dam has won numerous awards and recognitions that underline its importance from both a technological and ecological perspective. One of the most prestigious awards is the title of one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World", awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This unique distinction puts Itaipu in the same league as other monumental engineering feats, such as the Panama Canal and the CN Tower in Toronto.
In addition, Itaipu regularly wins awards for its environmental protection efforts. The "Cultivando Água Boa" (Cultivating Good Water) project, run by the dam administration, has received international recognition, including the UN Award for Sustainable Development. This program promotes sustainable agricultural practices, water conservation and environmental education, which, combined with the involvement of local communities, has brought significant benefits to the region's environment.
In terms of management and innovation, Itaipu has also won a number of accolades. In 2019, the dam received the Latin America Excellence Awards, awarded for the efficient management of resources and the integration of modern technologies in the plant's operations. Sustainability, innovation and the pursuit of reducing environmental impact make Itaipu a model in the field of hydropower.
Films and books featuring the Itaipu Dam
The Itaipu Dam, due to its scale and importance, has also become an inspiration for filmmakers and writers. Its majestic size, key role in providing energy and unique location have attracted the attention of creators from all over the world.
One of the most famous films in which the Itaipu Dam played a significant role is "Moonraker" - part of the James Bond series. In the 1979 film, the British agent played by Roger Moore visits the hydroelectric power plant in a setting that was largely modeled on monumental dams such as Itaipu. Although the film itself was not shot on the dam's premises, its impressive size and significance inspired the creators to use it as a backdrop for the film's plot.
The dam has also been featured in numerous television documentaries. National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel have all produced documentaries on Itaipu, focusing on both engineering and ecological aspects. These films examine the construction process, the technological challenges and the importance of the dam to both countries. Special attention is also paid to the environmental aspects and how Itaipu affects the surrounding ecosystem.
In addition to the films, the Itaipu dam has been the subject of several books. One of these is the academic work "Itaipu: The Story of Building the World's Largest Power Plant", which details the entire process of building the dam, the technological and political challenges that the engineers and governments of Brazil and Paraguay had to face. The book also contains numerous interviews with people involved in the project and describes the background of the decisions made.
Another, more literary title is the novel "Against the Stream: The Story of the River That Changed the World", in which Itaipu becomes a symbolic point of reference for considerations about technological progress and its impact on human life. The author compares the gigantic structure to other monumental projects of humanity, such as the pyramids in Egypt, creating a deeper reflection on how contemporary engineering achievements fit into the long history of civilization.
Films and books about Itaipu allow not only to see how monumental these achievements are, but also to see their impact on popular culture and thinking about technology in the 21st century.
Conclusion
The Itaipu Dam is not only a huge structure, but also a symbol of human progress, determination and international cooperation. Its great importance for Brazil and Paraguay is undeniable – it provides energy to millions of people, while also being a tourist attraction and an important part of the global engineering heritage.
Although Itaipu has some controversy related to its environmental impact, its role in providing clean energy leaves no doubt about its benefits. Thanks to continuous technological development and conservation efforts, the Itaipu Dam remains an example of how progress can be combined with responsibility for our planet.
Architect of Itaipu Dam
Construction/building type
Building Itaipu Dam is of type Dam, Hydroelectric power plant
A dam is an engineering structure designed to stop or control the flow of water. It is often used to store water, create reservoirs, generate electricity, irrigate, prevent flooding or provide drinking water. There are many different types of dams, each with its own characteristics and uses.... czytaj więcej.
Other dimensions, parameters and frequently asked questions
How many meters have Itaipu Dam?
Itaipu Dam have length 7.7 km
What material is the building made of?
Itaipu Dam is made of the following materials: Steel, concrete
Cost
Build cost of Itaipu Dam is 18 billion dollars
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.itaipu.gov.br
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