Itaipú Binacional opens spillway to manage rising reservoir levels

The Itaipú Binacional hydroelectric plant began releasing water through its spillway early Sunday morning following increased inflows to the reservoir caused by heavy rainfall in the basin.

Operations commenced at 01:50 with the opening of the left spillway channel, initially discharging approximately 1,700 to 1,735 cubic meters of water per second. Discharge volumes were increased to 3,100 cubic meters per second by 02:43, with forecasts suggesting levels could reach 3,800 cubic meters per second during the afternoon before tapering off.

The measure is a programmed operational maneuver intended to regulate the reservoir level and ensure safe dam operations. The spillway will remain open as long as current hydrological conditions persist. Despite the discharge, Itaipú continues to maintain normal electricity supplies for Paraguay and Brazil. Authorities are monitoring the Paraná River downstream due to the increased flow.