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On March 13, 2025, Itaipu Binacional authorized the implementation of a floating solar plant in the hydroelectric reservoir. The project foresees the installation of approximately two thousand photovoltaic modules in an area of between 7 and 10 thousand square meters, located in the Paraguayan sector of the plant.
Furthermore, the deadline for execution of the work will be 150 daysFollowed by 180 days intended for technical support, training and final approval of the system. In this way, the results obtained will help define future strategies for generating floating solar energy on a large scale.
International partnership and project features
The agreement to carry out the project was attended by the general directors of Itaipu, Enio Verri (Brazil) and Justus Zacharias Irun (Paraguay), in addition to representatives of Sunlution-Luxacril binational consortium, Ediléu Cardoso Jr. e Sebastian Rojas.
The experimental solar unit will have the capacity to 1 MWp (megawatt-peak), enough energy to supply about 650 Residences. Thus, this technology represents an advance in the diversification of Itaipu's energy matrix, taking advantage of the vast potential of its reservoirs.
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Impact and objectives of the pilot project
According to a Enio Verri, the energy generated by the floating installation, estimated between 1,8 thousand MWh and 2 thousand MWh annually, will help to supply part of the consumption of Itaipu's own offices.
Furthermore, the results obtained in this project will serve as a reference for future expansions both at Itaipu and at other dams in Brazil and Paraguay. In this way, it will be possible to expand the technology of floating solar energy based on concrete studies and detailed analyses.
The main objective of the project involves conducting in-depth research into the effectiveness of the technology, its advantages and possible environmental impacts on the reservoir. Thus, the technical analysis will allow the development of solutions that maximize energy efficiency without compromising the environment.
Energy as a tool for social inclusion
During the launch event, Enio Verri highlighted the importance of electricity for social inclusion. According to him, those who have access to electricity can improve their quality of life, ensuring the use of essential appliances and equipment.
Furthermore, Brazil, being the world's largest producer of Hydro-electric energy, has a great opportunity to join the floating solar generation in its plants. With this initiative, Itaipu can become a model for other renewable energy projects in Latin America.
Potential for expanding floating solar generation
The CEO of the group KWP Energy/Sunlution, Ediléu Cardoso Jr., emphasized the potential of floating solar energy. According to him, if only 10% of the reservoir surface was used, it would be possible to install a plant with capacity of 14 thousand MW, the equivalent of a new Itaipu.
Furthermore, this project, the first of this scale in a binational hydroelectric plant, represents a milestone for the adoption of floating solar energy on a large scale. Thus, it contributes to diversifying the energy matrix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Environmental and technological benefits
During the technical presentation, Pedro Domaniczky, head of Advice from Renewable energy in Paraguay, and the engineer Marcio Massakiti, representing Brazil, highlighted the advantages of the system.
A floating solar energy prevents deforestation and does not occupy productive areas. In addition, it reduces the water evaporation and minimizes the algal bloom, benefiting the aquatic ecosystem.
Another essential point involves the comparative analysis of data before and after installation. This will make it possible to accurately assess the environmental impacts and efficiency of the technology. This will provide Itaipu with a technical basis for future decisions about expanding the project.
Investment and cutting-edge technology
O Sunlution-Luxacril consortium won the public tender with a proposal of U.S. $ one thousand 854,5, value 11,72% lower as provided for in the notice.
The contract covers the preparation of the engineering project, supply of electrical equipment, the control and instrumentation systems, mechanical structureThe civil works, montagem and commissioning.
According to a Ediléu Cardoso Jr., this initiative will bring to Itaipu a most modern technology in floating solar energy available in the world. Furthermore, the main objective is to ensure maximum efficiency, reducing costs and optimizing integration with the hydroelectric plant.
