Chinese technology drives historic modernization of the Itaipu Plant

After decades of operation, the country’s most iconic plant begins its first major renovation — a milestone of innovation and trust between Brazil and China

Under the golden sky of a dawn in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazilian and Chinese engineers work side by side among cables, metal towers and state-of-the-art equipment. It is in this scenario that the modernization of the direct current (DC) transmission system at the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant takes shape — one of the greatest symbols of clean energy in Brazil and the world.

A few kilometers away, the Paraná River follows its imposing course on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Its waters, which have been powering the plant’s turbines for decades, continue to be the driving force behind one of the largest electricity producers on the planet. Since the beginning of its operations, Itaipu has generated more than 3 trillion kilowatt hoursaccounting for approximately 10% of all energy consumed in the country.

But time also leaves its marks. After decades of uninterrupted operation, parts of the electrical system began to show signs of wear. The warning came in 2023, when a fire at the Foz do Iguaçu converter station led to Eletrobras to accelerate a deep infrastructure modernization plan.

It was then that the Itaipu Direct Current Transmission Modernization Project ±600 kVstarted in 2024 and led by a subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of Chinaone of the largest energy companies in the world. Completion of the works is scheduled for 2026.

During the signing of the supplementary agreement, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveirahighlighted the strategic importance of the initiative. According to him, the project represents a decisive advance for the national electrical system, ensuring greater energy security, cost reduction and technological modernization.

This is the first major reform since the beginning of Itaipu operations, and also the first major international project of State Grid focused on direct current modernization. Sino-Brazilian cooperation marks a new chapter in the plant’s history and reinforces Brazil’s role in the global energy transition.

According to Guo Liproject manager on the Chinese side, the central part of the modernization relies entirely on technology and equipment developed in China. The new system will function as a kind of “electric highway” wider and smarter, capable of transporting the energy generated in Itaipu with greater efficiency to the main consumer centers in the country.

The Brazilian manager, on the other hand, Jean Marcell Okaoexplains that the modernized system will bring significant gains in regulation and stability. “The new model will allow more precise adjustments to variations in demand and the intermittency of renewable sources”, he states.

Okano, who has worked with Chinese companies for more than a decade, praises the partners’ technical competence. “The Chinese equipment is of the highest level and has been adapted to Brazilian climatic conditions, which guarantees durability and reliability”, he highlights.

More than 250 professionals participate directly in the works — among them, around 50 Chinese and 200 Brazilians. Team integration required creative and innovative solutions. One of the main innovations was the use of three-dimensional scanningwhich allowed creating a virtual version of the converter station. With this, engineers were able to simulate assembly stages, test solutions and optimize the execution schedule.

Operating procedures were also adapted to the Brazilian reality: control circuits were redesigned, cables were color-coded and access and responsibility zones were clearly delimited. All this to ensure greater safety and efficiency in joint operations.

Even with the language barrier, cooperation between teams flows naturally. The planning technician José Wallesson Corrêa Sancho praises the partnership: “The Chinese team is very experienced and always finds quick and practical solutions for any unforeseen event”.

For Okano, the experience goes beyond modernizing a plant. He believes that the Brazil-China partnership in the electricity sector is an inspiring example of how developing countries can join forces for sustainability. “This collaboration shows the world that it is possible to boost the use of renewable energy on a large scale and move towards carbon neutrality together”, he highlights.

Between cables, steel and cutting-edge technology, Itaipu reinvents itself. The plant that transformed the Paraná River into a symbol of clean energy is now taking another historic step — this time, towards an even more efficient, safe and sustainable future.