As of this Saturday, the floodgates of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant spillway are open. The spill is due to the storage conditions of the reservoirs upstream of the hydroelectric plant, which makes this operation necessary, taking into account that there was a recovery in the levels of the main reservoirs of the Brazilian interconnected system (SIN-BR) after the water crisis from 2021 to 2022, reaching 65.8% storage until January 11 of the current year. This significant increase in storage levels is especially due to the rains that have been recorded since the end of November in much of Brazil.
Likewise, they specified that during the first weeks of January 2023, rainfall has persisted in Brazilian territory. They also highlighted that, despite the action of the “La Niña” climate phenomenon, observed for the third consecutive year, the wet period has been active with the record of successive rain events, especially in the central-southeast and northern region of Brazil. ; however, on the other hand, this climatic phenomenon influenced the lack of rainfall in southern South America (including a large part of Paraguay, southern Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay).
The technical report provided by the Binacional also indicates that the significant increase in the storage levels of the reservoirs forced the National Operator of the Brazilian Electric System to design a flood control plan and start the discharge in many hydroelectric plants located in various hydrographic basins. from Brazil. As of 01/06, the discharge began at the Madeira River power plants, in the North region of Brazil; on 01/08 the discharge began at the Belo Monte power plant and on 01/09 it began in the São Francisco river basin. Over the next few days, the discharge is expected to begin at the Tucuruí hydroelectric power plant and at the hydroelectric power plants located at the headwaters of the Paraná River, specifically in the Rio Grande basin.
This widespread discharge indicates the presence of energy surpluses in the Brazilian system, which is why the gates are opened. This situation should remain for a few weeks as long as there are tributary resources that cannot be assigned to meet the energy demand of Paraguay and Brazil, the Technical Directorate said.
The discharges will be coordinated by the Itaipu Superintendence of Operations and the National Operator of the Brazilian Electric System – ONS, and will have as a result, in addition to the control of the level of the reservoir, the control of discharge flows, in order to avoid, to the extent if possible, flooding the neighborhoods downstream of Itaipu and contributing to improving navigation conditions on the Paraná River, mainly from the confluence with the Paraguay River.
According to climate forecasts, the “La Niña” phenomenon would end in the first quarter of 2023, and then move to the “neutral phase” in the following months. Regardless of this phase change, the scenario of irregular rains is expected to persist in much of the center-south of the South American continent, including the Paraná river basin.
In this scenario, it becomes even more important to maintain the flexibility of the reservoir, since this operation allows the generation of a standby volume to absorb eventual floods in the region close to the ITAIPU reservoir.
The last time the gates of the ITAIPU landfill were opened was on October 23, 2021, with an average flow rate of 466 m3/s.
Tourist attraction
The opening of the landfill provides a unique spectacle and constitutes an event longed for by everyone who visits the ITAIPU Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Those interested in observing the mighty and imposing discharge from the Right Bank viewpoint may do so at the following times: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 10:30; 1:10 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday.
For reservations, the telephone numbers (061) 599-8040/8094, the email [email protected] and the mobile application Ib-tur. In the Visitor Reception Center, located in Hernandarias, the registration of visitors is processed and later the transfer is carried out in groups in buses of the Entity. Access is free and free.
