January 12, 2015
The big thing of the day today was visiting one of the largest hydro-electric dams in the world. The Itaipu Dam produces roughly 14,000 megawatts of power, which makes it the second largest dam in terms of energy production. This dam produces nearly 90% of Paraguay's energy needs, and roughly 25% of Brazil's energy demand.
Although this is a great accomplishment, it has to be taken with a grain of salt. The creation, and implementation of the Dam has caused the extinction of many different fish, and flooded the surrounding area. So while it may be producing a massive quantity of green energy, it has cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
After walking around the Dam all day, we headed back to the hostel, where we went to a locals only fish n' chips place for dinner. While we waited for them to cook it we went down to the river and skipped rocks off the shore.
The big thing of the day today was visiting one of the largest hydro-electric dams in the world. The Itaipu Dam produces roughly 14,000 megawatts of power, which makes it the second largest dam in terms of energy production. This dam produces nearly 90% of Paraguay's energy needs, and roughly 25% of Brazil's energy demand.
Although this is a great accomplishment, it has to be taken with a grain of salt. The creation, and implementation of the Dam has caused the extinction of many different fish, and flooded the surrounding area. So while it may be producing a massive quantity of green energy, it has cause irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
After walking around the Dam all day, we headed back to the hostel, where we went to a locals only fish n' chips place for dinner. While we waited for them to cook it we went down to the river and skipped rocks off the shore.