Entity
Description
Alqueva is a multi-purpose project and integrated management of its strategic water reserve.
The project is centered on the Alqueva Dam and more 68 dams and reservoirs, connected by an extensive network of canals and pipelines with 2,000 km, serving a 120,000 hectare irrigated area and more than 250,000 inhabitants. It includes 8 hydroelectric power plants with an installed capacity of 540 MW. Its storage capacity is 4 150 million cubic meters.
Objectives
- New business expetations
- Creation of news joobs
- Tourism development
- Production of clean energie
- Water guarantie for agricultore and industries
- Guarantie of public water supply
- Creation of a strategic water reserve
Results
According to a study on the impacts of the project, the 120,000 hectares benefited by Alqueva, when the planned 80 to 85% adhesion to irrigation is reached, should generate an additional 7,500 jobs and an increase of 340 million euros in the gross value added of the agricultural sector in the region.
Next challenges
The next challenge will be the expansion of the current irrigation perimeter, from 120 thousand hectares to 170 thousand hectares by the year 2020. Simultaneously, additional dams will be added in the region, guaranteeing the reinforcement of public and industrial supplies to more territory, especially the connection to Sines. The new infrastructures integrate large photovoltaic production plants, minimizing the "ecological footprint".