By the beginning of October, the installed capacity of Brazil’s Itaipu hydroelectric complex will increase 11%. That’s when two more generators will go on line.
In order for the new units to operate simultaneously with the 18 that are already installed, it will be necessary to revise the tripartite agreement signed by Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina in 1979.
It will also be needed to define parameters for the use of the Paraná River’s hydraulic resources in the segment between Guaíra and the mouth of the Rio de la Plata.
“The revision of the tripartite agreement will allow the plant to generate more energy during peak hours, when the system demands more. And it will facilitate Itaipu’s operations,” explains the Brazilian general director of the Itaipu Binational company, Jorge Samek.
When the new generators begin to function, Itaipu’s installed capacity will expand from 12.6 thousand megawatts (MW) to 14 thousand MW.
According to Samek, the enterprise will distribute US$ 306 million in royalties in 2005, half to Brazil and half to Paraguay.
US$ 46 million have been transferred so far to Brazilian states, municipalities, and the federal government.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil