Punta Negra Dam, Embankment dam and hydroelectric station in San Juan Province, Argentina
Punta Negra Dam is a concrete-face rock-fill embankment that spans 750 meters across the San Juan River in San Juan Province. The facility operates two Francis turbines for electricity generation and stores water to support agricultural irrigation across the region.
Construction of the dam began in 2009 and was completed in August 2015, representing a major infrastructure project for the region. This facility became part of Argentina's broader effort to develop hydroelectric resources and modernize energy production in the northwest.
The dam shapes the region's economy today by providing jobs in energy production and related industries. For many residents, it represents progress and modernization in San Juan Province.
The dam is accessible from National Route 9 and offers viewpoints where visitors can observe the structure and reservoir. Plan your visit during dry months when road conditions are more stable and the area is easier to navigate.
The reservoir behind the structure holds enough water to create a substantial lake in the landscape, fundamentally altering how water flows through the San Juan River valley. This body of water changed both the natural ecosystem and the way local communities manage agricultural resources in the area.
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