Itaipu reports that its hydroelectric plant operates normally despite the hydrological crisis

Photo Itaipu Binacional

Asunción, IP Agency.- Despite the drought and the hydrological crisis that is plaguing the region, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant is operating normally with an average turbine flow in recent days of 7,800 cubic meters per second (m3/s) and an average inflow of 6,900 m3/s.

This is indicated in the report of the Operation Superintendency, dependent on the Technical Directorate of the Entity.

“We have an optimization in the operation, which gives us greater performance in the generation of our machines. On average, Itaipu’s productivity is approximately 1.06 average MW/m3/s, which is the relationship between the amount of energy produced and the turbined water flow for that production. Now we are having a production with a productivity close to 1.10 average MW/m3/s due to the operating condition and the operational programming action in the plant. That is, even with little water, we are having a good generation,” commented Silver Guerrero, Operation Superintendent.

He said that this optimal operation is due to control of the reservoir, which is currently at a level of 218.10 meters above sea level (masl). Likewise, the superintendent clarified that ITAIPU is a transit plant; Consequently, it does not have the capacity to accumulate water in its reservoir. However, he said that the operation is carried out in coordination with the dams that are located upstream of Itaipu.

“We have our reservoir, but there are 50 dams upstream and Itaipu is part of the system. The upstream dams are regulatory, that is, they regulate the flow of water based on the needs they have,” said Eng. Guerrero. He stated that in the Binacional there is a control of the upstream level and currently there is a mark of 218.10 meters above sea level; while the maximum ceiling in seasons of high water influx is 220.50 meters above sea level.

Regarding Itaipu’s total generation forecast for this year, the Operation Superintendent indicated that the estimated figure is around 67 thousand gigawatt-hours (GWh).

Regarding water inflow, he stressed that it has been decreasing for some time. “For about 5 or 6 years we have been having inflows below expectations. Last year we were making our programming based on the El Niño phenomenon and, taking into account that it could last until April, we established a forecast of about 78,000 gigabytes of generation, but it did not happen,” he said.

However, Mr. Guerrero pointed out that despite this reduction, there is optimal performance of the generating units, which allows the demand of the Paraguayan and Brazilian systems to be met, respectively.