Water becomes energy
The transformation of Ultimo valley
Between the post-war years and the 1960s, Italy experienced a period of rapid economic growth. Energy demand soared, and during this time Val d’Ultimo was transformed into a true valley of energy, with the construction of large reservoirs and hydropower plants that reshaped the landscape.
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Fontana Bianca reservoir
The Lago Verde dam is the tallest in the valley: at 86.5 metres high, it holds back 7.2 million cubic metres of water – the equivalent of about 3,000 Olympic swimming pools. Further downstream lies the Fontana Bianca reservoir, smaller but remarkable for its two earth dams, built using natural materials such as rocks and moraine debris.
Lago Verde dam
From here, the water flows down the Valsura stream, powering one plant after another before reaching Lana. In total, the Ultimo Valley’s hydropower system produces about 390 million kWh per year – around 8% of South Tyrol’s total hydroelectric output, enough to supply the annual needs of roughly 85,000 households.
Today, these dams are more than just energy sources. They serve as strategic storage reservoirs: water can be retained and released when needed, covering demand peaks and stabilising the power grid without emissions. This flexibility makes them a cornerstone of the energy transition, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut CO₂ emissions.
Lago Verde dam construction
Lago Verde with ice
Zoccolo lake
Topographic monitoring of the Lago Verde dam