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4 clusters · 12 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated
Itaipu Binacional hydrological management
Overview
The National Electric System Operator (ONS) identified the Itaipu Binacional reservoir as a strategic resource to maintain energy security in Brazil due to the intensification of the El Niño phenomenon. Officials discussed potential measures to meet energy demand, including the use of thermoelectric plants and the strategic management of the Itaipu reservoir, noting that El Niño was expected to peak between October 2026 and February 2027.
In mid-September, heavy rainfall in the basin caused increased inflows, prompting Itaipu Binacional to open its spillway to regulate reservoir levels and ensure safe dam operations. On September 13, operations began with the left spillway channel, initially discharging between 1,700 and 1,735 cubic meters per second. Discharge volumes were increased to 3,100 cubic meters per second by early morning, with forecasts suggesting levels could reach 3,800 cubic meters per second.
By late September, flow rates had peaked at over 3,800 cubic meters per second, with some discharges reaching up to 6,000 cubic meters per second. The controlled water discharge attracted approximately 2,767 visitors to the Paraguayan side of the dam.
On Monday, September 28, Itaipu Binacional conducted a controlled discharge from 8:00 to 13:30 with a flow rate of approximately 700 m3/s. Technical teams continue to monitor volumes to maintain the reservoir near a reference maximum of 220.50 meters above sea level. While no further openings are currently scheduled for the immediate term, technical forecasts suggest the gates may reopen next weekend to continue managing water levels and downstream conditions.
Entities
Itaipú Binacional · Brazil · Comitê de Monitoramento do Setor Elétrico · Paraguay · Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico
Timeline
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[BUSINESS] 2 sourcesItaipu Binacional regulates reservoir levels via spillway openings
Itaipu Binacional is regulating its reservoir levels via controlled spillway openings following heavy rains, with recent discharges reaching up to 6,000 m3/s to manage water levels for Paraguay and Brazil.
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[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sourcesItaipu Binacional spillway scheduled to reopen Thursday
The Itaipu Binacional spillway is set to reopen on September 24 after managing high reservoir levels caused by heavy rainfall, attracting thousands of visitors to the Paraguayan side.
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[INTERNATIONAL] 6 sourcesItaipú Binacional opens spillway to manage rising reservoir levels
Itaipú Binacional has opened its spillway to release water following heavy rains, aiming to regulate reservoir levels and ensure safe operations for Paraguay and Brazil.
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[BUSINESS] 3 sourcesItaipu Binacional identified as strategic energy reserve for Brazil
Brazil's ONS identifies Itaipu Binacional as a strategic reserve to combat energy shortages caused by the intensifying El Niño phenomenon.
Sources
diarioparaguayo.com · eby.gov.py · elnacional.com.py · facundoquiroga.com · gazeta24h.com · home.dgabc.com.br · itaipu.gov.py · laclave.com.py · naoviu.com.br · redesdenoticias.com.ar · revista100fronteiras.com.br · tribunadepetropolis.com.br
This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history