Feel the power. The Barragem da Crestuma-Lever stands before you a testament to human ingenuity. This concrete gravity dam a giant on the Douro River was a vision realized. Its construction began in 1976. It wasn’t completed until 1985.
The Barragem da Crestuma-Lever isn’t just a dam. It’s a powerhouse. Three Kaplan turbine generators hum within. Each generates 39 megawatts of electricity. Together they produce an average of 360 gigawatt-hours annually. This energy powers countless homes and businesses. The dam’s contribution to Portugal’s energy grid is significant.
But the Barragem da Crestuma-Lever offers more than just electricity. The dam also includes a lock. This lock allows ships up to 83 meters long to pass. It handles vessels with a beam of 11.4 meters a load draft of 3.8 meters and a cargo capacity of 2500 tons. This lock is crucial for navigation on the Douro River. It makes the river accessible to larger vessels.
The reservoir behind the Barragem da Crestuma-Lever is vast. At its full capacity it covers 12.98 square kilometers. Its total capacity is a staggering 110 million cubic meters. Imagine the sheer volume of water held back by this mighty structure. The reservoir’s normal elevation is only 13 meters but during floods it can reach 21.5 meters.
The Barragem da Crestuma-Lever is owned by Companhia Portuguesa de Produção de Electricidade. It is operated by Energias de Portugal. This dam is a vital part of Portugal’s infrastructure. It serves as a source of renewable energy aids navigation and manages water resources. It demonstrates a clever blend of engineering and environmental management. It’s more than a dam. It’s a symbol of Portugal’s commitment to progress and sustainability. It is a powerful and impressive structure. It’s a significant part of Portugal’s history and continues to play a vital role in the country’s future.