Itaipu beats world record for energy production
Itaipu currently meets 17% of all electricity demand in Brazil.
Binational Plant Itaipu beat Thursday (Nov. 12) the 2.3 million megawatt-hours (MWh) production record, so it holds the position of the world’s largest clean, renewable energy producer. The new record is the result of all the energy produced by the binational plant in 31 years and seven months since May 1984, when its operation began.
If it were possible to store all this energy, it would be enough to meet the needs of the world’s electricity consumption for more than 38 days. The same amount would also meet the needs for electricity in Brazil for four years and ten months, and the needs of a major metropolis, like São Paulo, for 78 years.
Itaipu currently meets 17% of all electricity demand in Brazil. Its energy production is essential for the energy infrastructure and development of the Brazilian territory, pointed out Itaipu’s Operation Superintendent Celso Torino.
According to him, the record achieved "is very important for Brazil, since no other plant has beat the production of 2 billion MWh. Itaipu holds the title of the world’s largest clean, renewable energy producer and it has contributed economically and environmentally to the country."
The record comes amid the water crisis some states are going through. For the second consecutive year, the country faces the consequences of strong droughts caused by El Niño, a phenomenon that causes excessive rainfall in the south and severe drought in northeastern Brazil.
Torino noted that the binational plant production shall contrast the hydrological situation in Brazil. "In 2014, the operating ratio of Itaipu’s production was 99.3%, i.e. almost 100% of the water resources were used, which is good due to the water scarcity in Brazil. This year’s good news is that the production is developing in a similar speed, " he added.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Itaipu beats world record for energy production
