2. Itaipu Dam
Power: 14 GW
Country: Brazil and Paraguay
For a long time, the Itaipu Dam which ranks secon on our list of largest hydroelectric dams and power plants in the world, was on the throne as the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. The joint venture of Brazil and Paraguay was finally completed in 1982 (the first attempts were made in 1975). Eventually, it started generating electricity in 1984. Naturally, it is situated on the Parana River, at the border between the countries. As for its builders, the US and an Italian company were the constructors of the plant, and the whole complicated business cost $19.6bn. Was it worth it? Definitely. In 2013 the Itaipu power plant provided nearly 75% of the electricity consumed by Paraguay, and 17% of it was consumed by Brazil.
Pixabay/ Public Domain
