The Brazilian-Paraguayan plant produced 94,684,781MWh of power last year, which Itaipu Binacional claimed was more than China’s Three Gorges Dam will likely produce, despite the fact that Three Gorges is the largest hydroelectric plant in the world.

Upon completion in 2011, Three Gorges will have the capacity to generate 22,500MW, while Itaipu’s capacity is 14,000 MW, but Itaipu’s advantage is its location on the Parana River, which has a large volume of water year-round, according to Itaipu Binacional.

The South American dam started operating in 1984, and last year supplied 19% of the energy consumed in Brazil and 91% of the energy consumed in Paraguay. Itaipu has supplied 26% of Brazil’s energy demand in the past.

Production in 2008 broke the 2000 record of 93.427.598MWh.

“At a time of economic uncertainties, Itaipu contributes so that Brazil can continue on the path toward development,” says Itaipu’s Brazilian general director, Jorge Samek.