Kastraki Dam, Embankment dam in Aitoloakarnania, Greece
Kastraki Dam is an embankment structure across the Achelous River in central Greece that creates a large reservoir behind its wall. The structure houses turbine generators within an adjacent power station and manages significant water flow for both electricity production and irrigation supply downstream.
Construction of the dam was completed in 1969 as part of a major push to develop Greece's hydroelectric resources after the postwar period. The facility has remained central to the region's water management and power supply infrastructure ever since.
The name Kastraki refers to the small rocky peninsula that once jutted into the river valley before the reservoir filled. Today visitors can see how the lake has become a landmark in the regional landscape, used for both power generation and water supply to farms downstream.
The dam and its reservoir are visible and accessible from the public road with viewing points to observe the structure and lake. The area around the dam is open terrain that can be exposed to the elements, so bring sun protection and dress for changeable mountain weather conditions.
A 2010 upgrade to the spillway system expanded the reservoir capacity and raised the water level slightly. This modification allowed the facility to store more water during heavy rains and provide more consistent power generation throughout the year.
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