The Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant has completed the first phase of assembly of its floating "solar island," a pilot project involving the installation of 1.568 photovoltaic panels on the Paraná River reservoir. The structure, anchored around the plant, occupies 7,6 square meters, an area roughly the size of a soccer field.
With the panels already installed, the next steps include installing power and communication cables and conducting operational tests. The island is expected to begin generating power in November, with a maximum output of 1 MWp, enough to power approximately 650 homes. All of the energy will be used internally by the plant.
According to engineer Márcio Massakiti Kubo, the schedule suffered minor delays due to rain and the complexity of the assembly in an area close to the spillway. "It was necessary to ensure the safety of the workers and the operation of the hydroelectric plant," he explained.
Clean energy over water
Budgeted at US$854,5 (approximately R$4,5 million), the project is being implemented by a binational consortium of companies from Brazil and Paraguay. After activation, the solar island will undergo a year-long technical and environmental assessment to support potential system expansions.
Preliminary studies by Itaipu indicate that if 1% of the reservoir were covered by solar panels, it would be possible to generate 3,6 TWh per year, approximately 4% of the plant's current production. "If we reach 10% of the area, we can double the generation capacity," estimated Rogério Meneghetti, the plant's Renewable Energy superintendent.
Currently responsible for 9% of the electricity consumed in Brazil, Itaipu also conducts research into other renewable sources, such as green hydrogen, biofuels and biogas, the latter even from seized contraband.
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