Iconic dams | Iconic structures
In the start of a new series of articles, IWP&DC asked members of the industry to share what they consider to be iconic dams and explain the reasoning behind their choices. Here we hear from Laura Monikowska, Henry-John Wright and Quentin Shaw, and Carrieann Stocks
Alto Lindoso, Portugal Laura Monikowska, Policy Officer for the International Hydropower Association, chose Alto Lindoso as her iconic dam
The Alto Lindoso hydropower plant, owned by EDP and situated in the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal, stands as a testament to engineering excellence. Commissioned in 1992, this iconic dam is a towering arch-vault structure, reaching a crown elevation of 339m and a length of 297m. Rising 110m above its granite foundation, the dam’s unique multi- floor design includes a substation control building located 350m underground. During its construction, the dam showcased cutting-edge technology, having the fastest elevator in Europe and the second fastest in the world. The magnitude of the project is underscored by the sheer scale of efforts involved, including excavations of 0.0012km3 pouring 0.0006km3 3000 tonnes of steel.
, of concrete and using
With an installed power capacity of 630MW, generated by two high-performance Francis turbines, the power plant plays a pivotal
Above: Reservoir on the upstream side of the Alto Lindoso dam
role in Portugal’s energy landscape. Its annual production of 910GWh significantly contributes to meeting the energy needs of a substantial portion of the population. Beyond its role in electricity generation, the Alto Lindoso dam showcases an innovative
approach to flood prevention in the Lima River basin. The region, known for heavy rainfall, benefits from the dam’s total capacity of 0.379km3
, minimising the impact of floods
in downstream areas such as Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima. This flow management
Above: Birds-eye view of the impoundment of Alto Lindoso dam and Peneda-Gerês National Park
Above: Panoramic view of the Alto Lindoso double curvature arch dam on the Lima River
Above: A close up of the hydroelectric power station in Peneda-Gerês National Park
36 | April 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Above: Engine room in the underground station situated 340m deep
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