Yacyretá Hydroelectric Plant | Ayolas, Paraguay

Increasing Sustainable Energy with EFCO Innovative Formwork

Ayolas – Paraguay

Expansion of the Yacyretá Hydroelectric Plant

The Yacyretá Binational Entity is currently constructing the expansion of the Yacyretá hydroelectric plant, which will generate clean, renewable, and sustainable energy. The Aña Cuá expansion project is expected to increase the plant’s power by 9% and further utilize the hydroelectric potential of the Aña Cuá arm.

Generating Job Opportunities

Managed by Consorcio Aña Cuá ART, the undertaking is set to create a minimum of 3,000 job opportunities and help stimulate the economies of both Ayolas and Ituzaingó. Despite unforeseen delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has continued progressing steadily. It is set to be completed by the end of 2025, with just over half of the budgeted $400M currently invested.

Large Panel Formwork System

Given the project’s scale, Consorcio Aña Cuá ART partnered with EFCO to determine that large panel formwork was the best option and chose the PLATE GIRDER® and E-BEAM® & SUPER STUD® formwork systems to meet the project’s needs. During the course of the build, 286,000 cubic meters of concrete will be cast, using 90,000 tons of cement and 12,000 tons of iron. The E-BEAM & SUPER STUD formwork system provided the needed flexibility to adapt to a variety of concrete structures. Additionally, the E-Z DECK® system was used for shoring, and it solved the challenge of accommodating heights ranging from 6.0 m to 14.2 m (19.7′ to 46.6′) and slabs with thicknesses ranging from 1.2 m to 1.7 m (3.9′ to 5.6′). With crane support, EFCO’s bottom-up E-Z DECK system assembly methods streamlined the process to help meet the deadline.

Reinforced Concrete for Hydroelectric Plant

The Aña Cuá expansion will house three 83.3 MW vertical axis Kaplan turbines, surrounded by reinforced concrete structures. The 500kV power lines will transmit the energy generated to the Yacyretá hydroelectric plant, and the electricity will be distributed to Argentina and Paraguay.

Why Choose Anyone Else?

The project has successfully met its objectives to ensure transparency, productivity, and sustainability. EFCO’s solutions provided flexibility and customization while also meeting necessary safety standards. EFCO is proud to come alongside our customers on projects to deliver Quality, Innovation, Integrity, and Super Service, providing our customers with the lowest in-place concrete costs.