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The Modernization of the Itaipu Dam Is Scheduled to Take Place Over 14 Years, to Be Carried Out by Companies from Brazil and Paraguay
On April 29, Friday, during a ceremony in the Production Building hall of the Itaipu Dam (UHI), Itaipu Binacional approved the start of work for the largest technological modernization project of the production units since May 1984, when the dam began commercial operation, over 30 years ago. The upgrade plan is scheduled to occur over 14 years of services, with US$ 649 million in investments. The modernization works will be conducted by the Itaipu Modernization Consortium (CMI) – made up of Brazilian and Paraguayan companies – the winner of the binational bidding process.
Why Is It Necessary to Modernize the Itaipu Dam?
According to the PetroNotícias website, since the start of operational activities, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant has generated over 2.8 billion Megawatt-hours (MWh), and even after more than 30 years of uninterrupted production, Itaipu remains operating with indicators above average. However, according to the dam itself, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain this high performance.
This occurs because the electrical and electronic equipment, which were designed for 30 years, have now been operating for almost 40. Thus, many of them are now outdated and lack more modern reserves in the market. As such, the Itaipu Dam is at an increasing risk of potential failures that could negatively affect the production of hydroelectric energy and the safety of the units.
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Years-Long Project Finally Coming to Life
In this regard, Itaipu has been working for years on the development of a technological upgrade project to mitigate any risks. The binational bid was launched at the end of 2019, after a long and meticulous effort involving professionals from all the company’s directorates.
“It has been a long journey to reach this moment,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Alberto França. “Itaipu is taking a new step today in the technological forefront to remain a global reference in output, productivity, and, above all, as a crucial element for promoting sustainable development and friendship between Brazil and Paraguay,” he added.
The technological update at Itaipu encompasses the study and replacement of supervisory, control, monitoring, measurement, protection systems and their respective interfaces with the generation processes, substations, spillways, auxiliary equipment of the dam, and powerhouse. However, heavy equipment, such as generators and turbines, will not be replaced, considering they have a longer lifecycle.
See the Commercial Values Received for Modernization
The Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant received commercial proposals presented in dollars, corresponding to about US$ 649 million, which, in reais, equates to R$ 3.7 billion. Additionally, taking into account all the expected investment, which includes other essential contracts, actions on structures carried out by Itaipu itself, and expenses related to management, exceed 900 million dollars. The contract was finalized with values in reais and guaranis, subject to the exchange rate just before the proposal submissions.
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