The Itaipu Dam
The Itaipu hydroelectric power plant is the largest construction of its kind in the world. It consists of a series of dams across the River Parana, which forms a natural border between Brazil and Paraguay. Started in 1957 and taking 16 years to complete, the construction was carried out as a joint project between the two countries.
The dam is remarkable for both its electricity output and its size. In 1995 it produced 78% of Paraguay’s and 25% of Brazil’s energy needs, breaking previous records for energy production. In its construction, the amount of iron and steel used was equivalent to over 300 Eiffel Towers, and the volume of concrete needed was equal to 210 football stadiums! Furthermore, the course of the seventh biggest river in the world was changed and 50 million tons if earth and rock were removed. It is a truly remarkable feat of engineering.