Extreme Engineering

The programme follows Danny Forster as he examines the building of a massive hydroelectric scheme in Brazil, in the region. The project involves tunnelling through seven mountains and constructing two dams, making it one of the world’s largest hydroelectric undertakings today.

Rio de Janeiro Power Grid is a television programme presented as an episode that follows a specific engineering story. It is framed as a factual series that looks closely at large‑scale infrastructure, with a focus on the challenges and techniques involved in building major utilities. The episode is fronted by Danny Forster, who takes the viewer inside the development of a massive hydroelectric scheme in Brazil. He examines the work being carried out on the ground, guiding the audience through the practical steps taken to bring the project to life. Central to the narrative is the sheer scale of the construction effort: engineers are tunnelling through seven separate mountains, carving out passages that will channel water to the power stations. At the same time, two dams are being erected, forming the backbone of the hydroelectric system and allowing the stored water to generate electricity. All of this work is part of what is billed as one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects. By situating the story in Brazil, the programme highlights both the geographical ambition and the technical complexity required to harness such a vast natural resource for power generation.