Name of the Project
Itaipu hydropower plant upgrade.
Location
On the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay.
Project Owner/s
Itaipu Binacional.
Project Description
The project entails the upgrade of Itaipu – the second-biggest hydropower plant in the world in terms of installed capacity. The power plant covers an average 8.4% of Brazilian and 85.6% of Paraguayan electricity consumption.
The project, considered to be the biggest technological upgrade of the hydropower plant since its inauguration nearly 40 years ago, is primarily aimed at updating the power plant’s technology. The investment is necessary because many assets are still analogue or technologically outdated. In some cases, the manufacturer no longer exists, making it impossible to replace parts.
The project includes the upgrade of equipment and systems of all 20 power generating units and the improvement of the hydropower plant’s measurement, protection, control, regulation and monitoring systems.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
The project is expected to take 14 years to complete.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
GE Renewable Energy’s Hydro and Grid Solutions (technological upgrade of the power plant).
Contact Details for Project Information
Itaipu Binacional, tel +55 45 3520-5252.
Itaipu hydropower plant, tel +55 45 3520-5252.