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Usina Itaipu represents one of the most successful chapters of Brazilian diplomacy, by transforming a border impasse into a milestone for the integration and development of Brazil and Paraguay

Written by Flavia Marinho
Published 23/02/2022 às 12:00
plant - itaipu - braisl - paraguay - job openings - works - construction - hydroelectric plants - investments
(Brasilia – DF 22/02/2022) National Anthem, performed by the marine band. Photo: Isac Nóbrega/PR

Usina Itaipu is investing BRL 2,6 billion in structural works, actions that strengthen regional integration, energy security and the development of the plant's region, Paraguay and Brazil

Yesterday morning (22/02), President Jair Bolsonaro highlighted the role of the Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric plant in guaranteeing the country's energy security, in addition to representing a symbol for the integration of Brazil with Paraguay and being an engine in regional development. . The statement was made at the inauguration ceremony of the Brazilian general director of Itaipu, Admiral Anatalicio Risden Junior), at the Itamaraty Palace, in Brasília (DF).

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The ceremony was attended by dozens of authorities, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Carlos França; of Mines and Energy, Admiral Bento Albuquerque; the chief minister of the Civil House, Ciro Nogueira; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Tereza Cristina; and the deputy governor of Paraná, Darci Piana, who represented governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior. Also present were the Paraguayan general director of Itaipu, Manuel Maria Caceres Cardozo, as well as advisors from the binational.

Usina Itaipu is investing BRL 2,6 billion in structural works, actions that strengthen regional integration, energy security and the development of the plant's region, Paraguay and Brazil

According to Bolsonaro, the federal government's austerity policy, followed by Itaipu, allowed the allocation of resources in major works, such as the revitalization of the Furnas direct current system, which will receive R$ 1 billion in financing from the binational's Brazilian bank; and constructions such as the Brazil-Paraguay Integration Bridge and the expansion of the runway at Foz do Iguaçu International Airport, among others.

In total, Itaipu is investing BRL 2,6 billion in structural works, actions that strengthen regional integration, energy security and the development of the plant's region, Paraguay and Brazil.“This happens thanks to the serious way of choosing people to be ahead of state companies. Admiral Risden, who was director [financial executive] of Itaipu and did a good job, has now been recognized for continuing the good administrations that preceded him. We are sure that his work will be special for all of us”, said the president. “We are aware of its potential to carry forward this mission of managing, in partnership with Paraguay, our Itaipu Binacional”, he concluded.

Appointed by decree published in the Official Gazette on January 27, Anatalicio Risden is Itaipu's 14th Brazilian general director. During the ceremony, the director himself signed the term of office, as well as ministers Bento Albuquerque and Carlos França. The last general director of Itaipu to take office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) was Jorge Nacli Neto, 30 years ago, in 1992.

Itaipu will continue to follow the guidelines of the federal government, promoting the appreciation of human capital and respecting the relations between Brazil and Paraguay

According to Admiral Risden, Itaipu will continue to follow the guidelines of the federal government, promoting the appreciation of human capital, maintaining the rational management of the public good with the austerity policy, in addition to respecting the relations between Brazil and Paraguay. “Dialogue and good coexistence, which guided the construction of this grandiose plant and made it an example for the world in several sectors, will continue to be the basic principles of my management”, he said.

The Brazilian director-general recalled his trajectory at Itaipu and before arriving at the company. Born in Curitiba, he comes from a pioneering family in Foz do Iguaçu, who arrived in the region at the end of the 19th century, when the city was still a small village. “I have precious memories of the moments when I went to visit the city and I continued to observe its development. I saw the founding of Itaipu Binacional and saw the dream come true”, he says.

Appointed executive financial director in 2019, Risden was able to get to know the company's strategic actions up close, in the areas of energy production, being a world leader in accumulated generation; diplomacy, with the friendly relationship with Paraguay; social, with the promotion of the development of the cities bordering the reservoir; and environmental, by example in sustainable development. “In addition, Itaipu is internationally recognized for being an example of leadership in the UN 2030 Agenda, fulfilling with primacy all 17 

Sustainable Development Goals. All of this proves that it is possible, with the efforts of two countries, to unite environmental preservation with economic development, ”he said. 

Usina Itaipu represents one of the most successful chapters of Brazilian diplomacy, by transforming a border impasse into a milestone for the integration and development of Brazil and Paraguay

For Chancellor Carlos França, Itaipu represents one of the most successful chapters of Brazilian diplomacy, by transforming a border impasse into a milestone for the integration and development of Brazil and Paraguay. He also highlighted the importance of the plant for the sovereignty and energy security of both countries and investments in the area of ​​the environment, today an example for the world. “Itaipu was born with the DNA of sustainable development”, he said.

The minister also praised President Jair Bolsonaro's guideline for sanitation of state-owned companies which, in the case of Itaipu, will allow for a reduction in energy tariffs for consumers and an increase in infrastructure investments in the region. In 2023, the revision of Annex C of the Treaty of Itaipu is expected, which establishes the financial bases and the provision of electricity services. “Itaipu will reach its golden jubilee (50 years) in full financial health.”

Minister Bento Albuquerque commented on Itaipu's strategic role and how diplomacy, present at the core of the company, will be fundamental for the Annex C negotiations. guarantee the discharge of the debt of this enterprise and within the period idealized by the directors”, he said. 

“On the Brazilian side, we have been technically prepared since the beginning of President Bolsonaro's term for this negotiation. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has been doing this in close coordination with agents in the electricity system, consumers and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And we have relied on the knowledge of Itaipu's technical staff, who are always willing to contribute”, he said.

Flavia Marinho

Flavia Marinho is a Production Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and Automation, with extensive experience in the onshore and offshore shipbuilding industry. In recent years, she has dedicated herself to writing articles for news websites in the areas of industry, oil and gas, energy, shipbuilding, geopolitics, jobs and courses, with over 7 thousand articles published. Her technical expertise and communication skills make her a respected reference in her field. Contact us to suggest topics, advertise job openings or propose advertising on our portal.

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