Collaborative Learning for Itaipú’s Future Floating Solar System
A delegation of Paraguayan technicians recently visited Brazil’s Billings Dam reservoir in São Paulo to observe the largest floating solar power plant in Latin America. This visit, which took place on April 28, 2025, is part of ongoing preparations for a similar, though smaller, floating solar project at the Itaipú Hydroelectric Power Plant in Paraguay.
The floating solar plant at Billings Dam spans 5 hectares and boasts a 7-megawatt capacity. It was developed by KWP Energía/Sunlution, who, in collaboration with Paraguayan firm Luxacril, are working on a 1-megawatt floating solar system to be installed at Itaipú. The purpose of the visit was to study the key aspects of floating solar technology, such as flotation, anchoring, and the direct current connection systems, which are all vital to the successful deployment of solar technology at Itaipú.
Gaining Insights from Advanced Brazilian Technology
The focus of the visit was to examine the flotation and anchoring systems in place at the Brazilian facility. The team from Itaipú’s Renewable Energy Consultancy was particularly interested in the advanced French-patented flotation technology that underpins the plant’s operation. This technology will be adapted for use at Itaipú, with some improvements made to enhance the access walkways and provide better connectivity to the floating solar systems.
Pedro Domaniczky, from Itaipú’s Renewable Energies division, explained that the consultants were focused on evaluating the mechanisms for both flotation and access. The goal is to integrate floating pontoons for easier access from the land to the solar panels, ensuring that operations are efficient and well-managed.
“The visit allowed us to see the flotation systems in action and identify areas for improvement, particularly for the walkways and systems that will be used at Itaipú. We also reviewed the direct current connection systems for solar panels, which has led to necessary adjustments in the manufacturing process to prevent potential issues,” Domaniczky said.
Enhancing Security and Operational Control Systems
In addition to the technical aspects of flotation and anchoring, the Paraguayan team also reviewed the cybernetic security and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems that will be employed for operational monitoring at Itaipú. The security of the power plant’s internal environment is a key consideration, especially in terms of protecting the system from cyber threats.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune the security measures that will protect Itaipú’s solar plant. The cybernetic security systems are being developed in close coordination with various areas of the Binational Itaipú entity to ensure the plant’s safety and reliability.
“We’re working on enhancing the cybernetic protection for the plant, ensuring that both the operational and control systems have robust defenses against potential threats. It’s critical that Itaipú’s renewable energy systems are not only efficient but also safe from cyber vulnerabilities,” Domaniczky emphasized.
Progress and Future Plans for Itaipú Solar Initiative
The Itaipú floating solar project is progressing steadily, with significant work already completed. The project has finished its fencing, conducted topographic surveys, and is in the process of constructing roads and assembling equipment. As the team works toward the installation of the floating solar panels, the lessons learned from the Brazilian plant will be crucial to ensuring a smooth and efficient implementation of the technology.
The Paraguayan team’s visit to Brazil was not only about technology; it was also an opportunity to attend a Brazilian Solar Energy Association event, where solutions to energy shortages during peak loads were discussed. This is particularly relevant as Itaipú’s renewable energy project aims to enhance Paraguay’s energy sustainability, while also addressing the energy challenges faced by the region.
The Itaipú floating solar project is seen as a promising initiative that will contribute to the development of clean, renewable energy, and could serve as a model for similar projects in other regions.
