La Esmeralda Dam, Embankment dam in Santa María, Colombia
La Esmeralda Dam is a large embankment dam that holds back water on the Batá River in the Colombian highlands. The structure creates a substantial reservoir that supplies water for electricity production downstream.
Work on this major infrastructure project started in 1960 as Colombia developed its hydroelectric capacity. The structure was finished in 1982 after going through several construction phases.
The dam represents Colombia's commitment to sustainable energy production, providing 8 percent of the nation's electrical power through the Chivor Hydroelectric Project.
The dam sits in a mountainous area where visitors can view the reservoir and surrounding valley. Access is best during the dry season when mountain roads are passable and visibility is clear.
Water travels through two extensive tunnels carved into the mountain to reach separate pipe systems downstream. These hidden waterways allow the facility to make efficient use of the elevation drop.
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