The new dam on Ribeira do Cidrão, located in Curral das Freiras, is ready to utilize up to 3 million cubic meters of water annually. The goal is to boost hydroelectric power generation at the Socorridos Power Plant, with an estimated annual increase of around 3 GWh of renewable energy.
Pedro Rodrigues, the regional secretary for Equipment and Infrastructure, shared these details during a visit to the project, which was completed in August after approximately one year of work. The investment amounted to 1.4 million euros, fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The intervention also aims to strengthen the water supply for irrigation and its redistribution.
According to Rodrigues, this project is part of the regional strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, highlighting the greater control over water-based energy production compared to solar and wind sources. Renewable energy currently accounts for over 50% of the Region's energy production capacity. The work also includes a siphon system that runs underground across Ribeira dos Socorridos, allowing excess water to be directed to hydroelectric production while maintaining its availability for agricultural irrigation.
