Top 10 Most Costly Construction Projects Ever
3. The Itaipu Dam
Location: Paraguay and Brazil
Total Expense: $19.6 Billion
Year Completed: 1984
The Itaipu Dam, a monumental achievement in engineering, was completed after an investment of over $19 billion and approximately eighteen years of construction. Upon its completion in 1984, it earned the title of the world's largest hydroelectric dam, a distinction it held proudly until 2006. That year, it was surpassed by the Three Gorges Dam in China, which redefined the scale of hydroelectric power generation.
The Itaipu Dam not only serves as a critical source of renewable energy for both Paraguay and Brazil but also symbolizes international cooperation, as it straddles the border between the two countries. Its construction has had a profound impact on the region's economy and energy landscape.
In conclusion, the Itaipu Dam remains a significant landmark in the history of hydroelectric power, representing both the triumphs and challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects. Its legacy continues to influence energy policies and practices in South America and beyond.
Photo Credit: Maila Facchini/Shutterstock / Itaipu Dam
The construction of the Itaipu Dam was a monumental endeavor funded by the governments of Brazil and Paraguay. This project required the creation of a channel to divert water, which involved the displacement of nearly fifty million tons of soil and rock. The channel itself measured 1.3 miles in length and 490 feet in width.
The dam plays a crucial role in the region, providing over three-quarters of Paraguay's energy needs. Its impressive height is comparable to that of a sixty-five-story building, stretching along the border between Paraguay and Brazil.
In recognition of its engineering excellence, the American Society of Civil Engineers named the Itaipu Dam one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 1994. This accolade highlights not only its scale and functionality but also its significance as a symbol of international collaboration and innovation in renewable energy.
In conclusion, the Itaipu Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and cooperation, continuing to impact the energy landscape of South America while earning its place among the world’s engineering marvels.
