Matanoagawa Dam, Gravity dam in Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Matanoagawa Dam is a concrete structure in Tottori Prefecture that spans a valley and stores water for power generation. The facility operates as part of a pumped storage system that moves water between different reservoirs depending on energy needs.
Construction of this concrete facility started in 1978 and finished in 1984 after authorities sought a solution for regional power supply. The pumped storage project was part of Japan's strategy to use hydropower more efficiently.
The facility demonstrates Japanese engineering excellence through its integration with the Matanogawa Pumped Storage Power Station, featuring four Francis pump-turbine generators.
Visitors can best view the structure from outside and explore the valley extending below it. The site is reachable by local roads, and visiting is easiest outside of flood seasons.
The reservoir connects with a second dam located about 6 kilometers away in a neighboring prefecture to form a shared water system. This arrangement allows water to be transported between the two locations and power generation adjusted based on current demand.
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