Prince Albert II of Monaco, on the second day of his official visit to Paraguay, toured the Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric plant on Tuesday, accompanied by the Monegasque delegation.
The itinerary included a comprehensive visit to the production building, the central control room and the facility’s 20 turbines, as well as a stop at the dominant vantage point overlooking the dam, where the sovereign signed the golden book and planted a tree.
Located on the Paraná River along the border between Brazil and Paraguay, the Itaipu dam was constructed between 1975 and 1982. It ranks among the world’s most powerful hydroelectric facilities and holds the record for cumulative energy production. Classified among the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World” by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the structure stretches nearly 8 kilometers in length and stands 196 meters high.
Since 1984, Itaipu has generated more than 2.6 billion megawatt-hours of electricity, meeting 15 percent of Brazil’s energy needs and 90 percent of Paraguay’s.
Photo credits: Michaël ALESI / Palais princier