Did you know that the world’s largest generator of clean, renewable energy is open to visitors? Located in Iguassu Falls, on the banks of the mighty Parana River, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant is more than an engineering marvel — it’s also one of Brazil’s most fascinating tourist destinations.
The story of Itaipu Binacional began with a bilateral agreement between Brazil and Paraguay in the 1960s, and its massive complex was inaugurated in 1984. With a dam standing 196 meters tall (equivalent to a 65-story building), Itaipu supplies 8.7% of the electricity consumed in Brazil and an astonishing 86.4% of Paraguay’s total energy demand.
Tourism at Itaipu
Since its construction, the plant has welcomed visitors and now receives around 1 million tourists per year. Who would have thought a hydroelectric plant could become such a popular attraction?
Curious to see how the power of water is transformed into electricity? The plant offers several tour options. One of the most popular is the “Itaipu Special” tour, where visitors can explore viewpoints that showcase the grandeur of the facility, along with access to control panels and various internal areas of the structure.
Innovation and Sustainability
Itaipu remains one of the world’s leading innovation hubs — not only due to its 14,000 MW energy output but also through investments in research and development in fields such as automation and security, in collaboration with the Itaipu Technology Park (Parquetec).
Technology and innovation go hand in hand with sustainability. Beyond updating its fleet with electric and hybrid vehicles, one of Itaipu’s most impressive ongoing projects is the use of artificial intelligence to identify animal species, predict wildfires, and alert drivers to the presence of wildlife on roads — a direct contribution to biodiversity conservation in the region.
Another highlight is Parquetec’s investment in projects focused on the development of green hydrogen as an alternative energy source and a sustainable solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Notable initiatives include feasibility studies for the use of hydrogen in urban buses, port equipment, and the production of methanol and aviation kerosene.
Visiting Itaipu is far more than witnessing one of the largest engineering feats in the world. It’s an opportunity to learn about clean energy, dive into a rich historical narrative, and be awed by its scale and innovation.
To find out more visit Iguassu Falls official website and learn more attraction and tour options.
Text writen by journalist – Elaine Villatoro@livemoretravelmore
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