Construction of a conventional concrete dam of the double-curvature vault type with a maximum height of 96 metres above foundations and a crest length of 485 metres. It includes two surface channel spillways, two half-bottom spillways, all with terminal 'ski jump' structure; a bottom drain of up to 160 m3/s and five towers for the two half-bottom drains, a bottom drain and two water intakes for the hydroelectric power plant.
The project included the construction of a hydroelectric power plant at the foot of the reservoir for two reversible groups of 130 MW each. An intake tower was also built, as well as has half-bottom drain bodies, taking advantage of the current diversion tunnel.
It is the largest capacity reservoir in Europe with 4,150 hm3 and is mainly intended for the irrigation of 110,000 ha. in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. This strategic water reserve creates an artificial lake of 250 km2, 1,100 km of margins and a line of 82 km, leading to the town of Badajoz.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Alqueva – Badajoz, Portugal - Spain.
- Contract type: Construction.
- Infrastructure: Conventional concrete vaulted dam (double curvature) with a maximum height of 96 m on its foundations and a total length of 458 m, with a reversible hydroelectric plant of 240 MW. The largest capacity reservoir in Europe with 4,150 hm3.
- Year of project completion: 2002
BENEFITS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Development of the Portuguese region of Alentejo. In addition to reserving water in an area with a high water shortage, the dam has contributed to the economic and social development of the population.