Itaipu Binacional, the operator of the 14GW Itaipu Brazilian-Paraguayan hydropower system, has halted operations indefinitely at one of its 20 generator units owing to technical problems and equipment depletion. Itaipu is the world’s second largest hydro power producer after China’s 22.5 GW Three Gorges dam.
The problems were found during regular maintenance works on the generator. Itaipu Binacional has contacted the generator manufacturer Voith for repair works.
However, the stoppage should not affect power generation at the plant. In normal operation Itaipu runs only 18 of its generator units, in order to maintain backup capacity.
