Overview
Itá is a 1,450 MW hydroelectric power plant located on the Uruguay River in Brazil. It is one of the country's major renewable energy facilities, supporting grid stability.
Itá is a large hydroelectric power plant situated on the Uruguay River in southern Brazil. With an installed capacity of 1,450 MW, it ranks among the significant hydropower facilities in the country, contributing to Brazil's predominantly renewable energy matrix. The plant is operational and plays a key role in regional electricity supply. The facility operates as a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, utilizing the flow of the Uruguay River to generate electricity. Its capacity places it in the large-scale category for hydropower in Brazil. The plant's technology and design align with typical modern hydropower standards, ensuring efficient power generation with minimal fuel costs. Environmentally, Itá provides clean, renewable energy, displacing fossil fuel-based generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The reservoir created by the dam supports local water management and recreational activities. The plant is integral to Brazil's energy security and supports the country's commitment to renewable energy targets.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Itá produces electricity without direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a low-carbon alternative to thermal power. The reservoir alters local aquatic ecosystems and river flow, but the plant's operation is subject to Brazilian environmental regulations. Its location in a rural area minimizes impacts on densely populated zones.
Frequently asked questions
Itá is located on the Uruguay River in southern Brazil, near the border with Argentina. The plant's coordinates are approximately 27.28°S, 52.38°W.
Itá has an installed capacity of 1,450 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale hydroelectric facility in Brazil.
As a hydroelectric plant, Itá likely uses Francis or Kaplan turbines, which are common for run-of-river and dam-based hydropower projects. Specific turbine details are not publicly listed.
Hydroelectric plants in Brazil must comply with federal environmental licensing under CONAMA resolutions, including environmental impact assessments (EIA/RIMA) and water use permits from ANA (National Water Agency).
Itá provides renewable, low-carbon electricity to the national grid, supporting Brazil's goal of maintaining a high share of hydropower in its energy matrix, which currently exceeds 60%.