Itaipu
Itaipu Dam (
Portuguese:
Itaipú;
SAMPA [itaj'pu]) is the largest
hydroelectric power plant in the world. It is situated along the Paraná River and produces 25% of the power of
Brazil and 90% of
Paraguay's. The plant is capable of producing power of 12,600 MW (megawatts), with 18 generator units of 700 MW each. The first generators started running in May
1984 and the final generator came online on
April 9,
1991.
It will be surpassed only by
China's
Three Gorges Dam, once it is completed. Itaipu is the largest power plant but not among the largest dams in the world.
It has been declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
(Picture from Itaipu's website, free for distribution as long as given the right credits)
External link