Itaipu hydroelectric plant sees benefit from promoting biogas to improve water quality

In Brazil, the Inter Press Service reports that the Itaipu hydroelectric plant shared by both Brazil and Paraguay is promoting biogas production as a way to protect the quality of the water that passes through the dam and in turn will ensure it achieves its 184 years of expected lifespan. The region is a major livestock production area and organic waste from those farms have led to changes in the Paraná River’s ecosystem that promote invasive species like golden mussels that damage the plant. After pushing for increased biogas production, that organic waste pollution has dropped significantly and so have the negative impacts on the hydro plant.