The 7 largest hydroelectric power plants in Spain
Hydropower has been one of the great solutions for electricity generation in Spain for decades. Hydroelectric power plants play a crucial role in the country's energy mix, providing renewable energy and pumped storage. Below, we explore the possibilities of hydropower plants. 7 largest hydroelectric plants from Spain, highlighting its installed capacity, locations and most relevant characteristics.
1. Aldeadávila hydroelectric plant
Located on the course of the Duero River, about 7 km from the town of Aldeadávila de la Ribera, in the province of Salamanca, the Aldeadávila hydroelectric plant, also known as the "Aldeadávila waterfall", is one of the most impressive hydroelectric engineering works in Spain.
Operated by Iberdrola, this plant has two stations, Aldeadávila I (installed in 1962) and Aldeadávila II (installed in 1986). Between them, they have an installed capacity of 1.243 MW, with an average annual production of 2.400GWh.
2. Jose Maria de Oriol Power Station, Alcantara
La Jose Maria de Oriol hydroelectric power station, known as Alcántara, is also among the largest in Spain. Located in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, it has an installed capacity of 916 MW distributed in four groups of 229 MW each. This plant, also operated by Iberdrola, is part of one of the largest reservoirs in the country, with a capacity of 3.162 hm³.
The dam, which has a height of 130 meters, is essential for the regulation of the Tagus River, and its electricity production is sufficient to cover almost twice the region's maximum demand during times of peak consumption.
3. Villarino power plant and Almendra dam
La Villarino power station It is fed by the Almendra reservoir, located between the provinces of Salamanca and Zamora. This system is unique in its kind since, instead of using energy at the foot of the dam, the water flows through a tunnel of 15 km to the Aldeadávila reservoir, generating a drop of 410 meters, almost double what would otherwise be generated.
With an installed capacity of 857 MW and an average annual production of 1.376GWhThis plant is an example of innovative and effective hydroelectric solutions.
4. Cortes-La Muela hydroelectric power station
Located in the Valencian Community, the Cortes-La Muela power station It is the largest pumped storage power station in continental Europe. With a capacity of 1.750 MW in turbination and 1.293 MW In pumping, it is a gigantic example of how to take advantage of the slope of the Júcar River.
Its ability to store energy through pumping makes it a key piece to balance the energy demand in the Spanish electrical system, producing 1,000 tonnes per year. 1.625GWh.
5. Saucelle Power Station
La Saucelle hydroelectric power station, located in the middle course of the Duero River, is another major infrastructure of the Saltos del Duero system. It has two power stations: Saucelle I, with a power of 251 MW (launched in 1956), and Saucelle II, with 269 MW (operational since 1989).
In total, it adds up 520 MW of installed capacity, which confirms its importance in energy generation in the Salamanca region.
6. Cedillo Power Station
On the Tagus River, near the border with Portugal, is the Cedillo power stationThis plant was inaugurated in 1978 and has an installed capacity of 500 MWThe arch-gravity dam measures 66 meters high and is located in the Tagus-International Natural Park, characterized by its unique landscapes and biodiversity.
This facility is part of an agreement signed between Spain and Portugal for the shared management of international water resources.
7. Estany-Gento Sallente Central
La Estany-Gento Sallente central, located in the municipality of La Torre de Cabdella, in Lleida, is a reversible power plant that operates between two lakes. It works by taking advantage of a difference in level of almost 400 meters from the upper lake (Estany Gento) to the lower one (Sallente).
With an installed capacity of 468 MWIts particularity lies in its reversible capacity, which means that it can pump water between the lakes and store energy. This makes it a key infrastructure for the stability of the Spanish electrical system.
These hydroelectric plants not only generate huge amounts of electricity, but also offer a sustainable solution for energy storage, making them key players in the present and future of the energy system in Spain.