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The opening of the left spillway channel occurred on the morning of June 28, 2026, to control the reservoir level, creating a spectacle that can be observed by residents and tourists visiting the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world.
The Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant once again attracted the attention of tourists and residents this Sunday, June 28, 2026, after conducting the first spillway opening of 2026. The operation was carried out to control the operational level of the reservoir and provided an impressive natural spectacle, with a huge volume of water flowing towards the Paraná River.
The information was released by H2FOZ, according to a report by journalist Guilherme Wojciechowski, based on official information from Itaipu Binacional. According to the plant, the opening occurred at 7:30 AM this Sunday (28) and marks the first spill carried out this year.
According to the hydroelectric plant, only the excess water passes through the spillway. Meanwhile, the rest of the flow continues normally to the turbines responsible for generating electricity.
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The opening of the Itaipu spillway impresses with the enormous volume of water
According to Itaipu Binacional, the operation released a flow of 1,450 cubic meters per second (m³/s) through the left channel, which has the largest capacity among the three existing in the spillway.
This volume of water impresses even those who are already familiar with the plant. After all, the 1,450 m³/s corresponds, for comparison purposes, to the usual flow of the Iguazu Falls, located on the Iguazu River, one of the main tributaries of the Paraná River.
After leaving the reservoir, the water travels through the spillway, makes a large leap, and returns to the non-dammed section of the Paraná River. As a result, visitors can witness one of the most striking scenes of the plant during the spill period.
Additionally, Itaipu reported that only the left channel remains open. The operation will continue for an indefinite period, always aiming to maintain the adequate operational level of the reservoir.
The last opening occurred in November 2025
The opening this Sunday represents a rare moment in the operation of the hydroelectric plant. According to Itaipu itself, the last spillway opening for reservoir level control occurred specifically on November 23, 2025.
Thus, this operation becomes the first spillway opening in 2026, a fact that usually arouses great interest among local residents and tourists visiting Foz do Iguaçu.
Besides its operational importance, the spillway also offers a rare opportunity for those who wish to closely observe the power of the water passing through the dam.
Residents and tourists can enjoy the tour during the spillway opening
Those who live in Foz do Iguaçu or neighboring municipalities can take advantage of this period to view the plant from an even more special angle.
According to Itaipu Binacional, residents of these cities have free admission for the Itaipu Panoramic tour. During the tour, visitors pass twice by the spillway, make a stop at the viewpoint, and travel by bus along the upper part of the dam.
While the spillway remains open, the tour becomes even more prominent, as it allows a close-up view of the massive water flow used to control the reservoir.
Those wishing to plan their visit can find all the information directly on the official Itaipu Tourism website, where schedules, visitation rules, and tour details are available.
The opening of the spillway not only highlights the grandeur of the Itaipu Plant but also the importance of efficient water resource management to ensure operational safety and continuity in energy generation. At the same time, the phenomenon provides a unique experience for those visiting one of the greatest symbols of Brazilian and global engineering.
If you had the opportunity to visit the Itaipu Plant during the spillway opening, would you take this tour? What piques your curiosity most about this spectacle of engineering and nature?
