Alto Rabagão Dam

Alto Rabagão is an embankment dam in Vila Real that spans a considerable length and creates a large reservoir at high elevation. The facility operates as a hydroelectric power station and uses a reversible turbine system to generate electricity.

The project began in the 1950s as part of modernizing Portuguese energy infrastructure. Its completion marked a major advance in the country's hydroelectric power development.

The dam is part of the water management system in this mountainous area and shows how the region harnesses water resources for energy production. The structure shapes the landscape today and stands as an important infrastructure landmark for the local area.

The site sits in a mountainous area and is best accessed during drier periods when water levels are lower. The area is mainly designed for technical visits and is not developed as a tourist destination.

The facility experiments with floating solar panels on the water surface to combine hydroelectric and solar energy. This combination shows how traditional water power works alongside modern renewable technologies.

Location: Vila Real

Inception: 1957

Elevation above the sea: 880 m

Part of: HICA - Hidroeléctrica do Cávado/ Alto Rabagão

GPS coordinates: 41.73972,-7.85778

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:24