Itaipú Binational Dam Post-2023: The Next 50 Years of Sustainable Development

In 2023, the treaty that governs the world’s largest dam will expire.  Our team will develop strategies to steer sustainable development in Paraguay and Brazil, which share the dam, as well as confronting environmental issues and lessons surrounding renewable energy and power, with regional and worldwide resonance.

Executive Summary
Itaipú Post-2023 is multi-sited research team between Duke University and the National University of Asunción, Paraguay (UNA), along with key partners at Brazil’s University of São Paulo (USP) and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE). Our goal is to offer pragmatic policy recommendations for the upcoming renegotiation of the Itaipú Treaty (Brazil-Paraguay) which governs Itaipú Binational Dam. Itaipú Dam is the world’s largest dam in terms of energy production, supplying Brazil with 18% of its electricity and Paraguay with 85% of its demand. When the treaty expires in 2023, the energy pricing and distribution agreements are once again up for debate. Brazil, with a world-renowned energy industry, has a long-term plan for energy development in general and Itaipú Dam in particular. Paraguay has also begun a national conversation on sustainable development and long-term energy planning.

Because of the scale of financial and energy resources involved, the treaty negotiations are a point of leverage within Paraguay, one of South America’s fastest-growing economies, as well as within the region because of the growing push for energy integration. We see Itaipú Dam as uniquely able to steer sustainable development in Paraguay and beyond.

To get involved, contact Itaipu2023[at]duke.edu.