Itaipu Binacional has begun energising its first floating solar energy plant in Paraguay, marking a milestone in renewable energy development. The innovative installation is located on the reservoir of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Station in Hernandarias. The process officially started on 20 October 2025, a date chosen for its historical significance. The event coincided with the anniversary of the 1978 blasting that diverted the Paraná River to begin construction of the Itaipu Dam.
Historic process and technological progress
The process of energisation, as explained by Pedro Domaniczky, Superintendent of Renewable Energy of Itaipu Binacional, involves activating the transformer systems, the cell room, and the generation equipment. The team has already begun testing and gradually injecting the energy produced into the distribution station.
“We are very excited. This is a historic event. As we remember the blasting for the diversion channel that gave rise to the dam, we are beginning the process of energising Itaipu’s first floating solar energy plant,” said Domaniczky.
The timing between the energisation of the floating solar energy plant and the commemoration of the 1978 Itaipu blasting carries significant symbolic value. That explosion, achieved with 55,000 kilograms of explosives distributed in over 400 wells, made it possible to divert the Paraná River and begin the dam’s construction.
Half a century on, Itaipu Binacional still makes history, but with green technology this time. Domaniczky explained that verification tests are being conducted on the energy exchange between the Cell Room, located in Itaipu’s priority area on the right bank, and the Distribution Station. The work includes final adjustments and calibration of protection systems to ensure the new system’s operational safety.
High-tech equipment at the first floating solar plant
Domaniczky highlighted the high technical quality of the team responsible for the process. At the same time, he thanked the cooperation between various departments within the Binational entity. The floating solar plant, whose installation began in August, consists of 1,584 bifacial solar panels mounted on 4,199 floats, providing a total installed capacity of 1,116 kilowatts peak (kWp).
Each bifacial solar panel, specially manufactured for this project, has a useful life of 30 years. The panel was designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The plant also features four main inverters, each with a power of 330 kilowatts. Domaniczky described this as “the largest inverters installed to date in a solar plant in Paraguay.”
The energy generated will supply Itaipu’s priority area on the right bank. Moreover, this project contributes to the Entity’s internal energy needs. As a result, the initiative strengthens Itaipu’s strategy to diversify Paraguay’s energy matrix and promote regional leadership in renewable innovation.
Smart water monitoring and environmental benefits
In addition to producing clean energy, the floating system will help reduce water evaporation from the reservoir. This process will optimise generation without affecting the aquatic ecosystem. Furthermore, the power plant occupies only a small portion of the lake’s surface and includes a smart water monitoring system. Together, these features demonstrate Itaipu Binacional’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in Latin America’s energy sector.
With the introduction of floating solar power, the Binational entity reaffirms its long-standing towards sustainability, binational collaboration, and responsible use of energy resources for the benefit of Paraguay, Brazil, and future generations.
