In the decades of the 1970s and 1980s, when it was being built, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam was considered a pharaonic project, progeny of the megalomania of the military which governed Brazil at that time. Today, three decades later, opinions have changed.
Responsible for 95% of the electrical energy consumed in Paraguay and 28% of all Brazilian consumption, the bi-national enterprise, built by Brazilian and Paraguayan craftsmen, technicians and engineers, gives daily proof of its importance on the national and international scene.
The first generating unit commenced production in 1984, and from then on, the dam has broken successive production and profit records. The municipalities which had parts of their lands flooded by the formation of Itaipu Lake, which feeds the dam, also earn their share of the dividends paid monthly in the form of royalties.
There are two possible tours of the largest hydroelectric dam on the planet. The regular tourists' visit can be had during established hours, without appointment and passes around the external parts of the construction. A special tour must be arranged beforehand and permits access to some internal areas. It is called the "technical visit" and is reserved exclusively for engineering students and professionals.
In addition to the production of energy, Itaipu is also a symbol of environmental preservation. The company maintains the Bela Vista Biological Refuge and is responsible for permanent reforestation and pisiciculture (fish breeding) programs and incentive projects for reproduction of wild animals in captivity. It also funds and operates Eco-museum, which tells the story of the construction and maintenance of this construction without parallel in the world.
Hydroelectric Dam was considered a pharaonic project, progeny of the megalomania of the military which governed Brazil at that time. Today, three decades later, opinions have changed. 
In addition to the production of energy, Itaipu is also a symbol of environmental preservation. The company maintains the Bela Vista Biological Refuge and is responsible for permanent reforestation and pisiciculture (fish breeding) programs and incentive projects for reproduction of wild animals in captivity. It also funds and operates Eco-museum, which tells the story of the construction and maintenance of this construction without parallel in the world. 
