{"id":1688,"date":"2025-05-14T13:02:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T13:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icewalk.it\/dams-and-hydropower\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:22:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:22:29","slug":"dams-and-hydropower","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/icewalk.it\/en\/dams-and-hydropower\/","title":{"rendered":"Dams and hydropower"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Water becomes energy<\/b><\/strong><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

The transformation of Ultimo valley<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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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\u2019Ultimo was transformed into a true valley of energy<\/i>, with the construction of large reservoirs and hydropower plants that reshaped the landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Fontana Bianca reservoir<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Lago Verde dam<\/b> is the tallest in the valley: at 86.5 metres high, it holds back 7.2 million cubic metres of water \u2013 the equivalent of about 3,000 Olympic swimming pools. Further downstream lies the Fontana Bianca reservoir<\/b>, smaller but remarkable for its two earth dams, built using natural materials such as rocks and moraine debris.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lago Verde dam<\/span><\/p>\n

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From here, the water flows down the Valsura stream, powering one plant after another before reaching Lana. In total, the Ultimo Valley\u2019s hydropower system produces about 390 million kWh per year \u2013 around 8% of South Tyrol\u2019s total hydroelectric output, enough to supply the annual needs of roughly 85,000 households.<\/h3>\n

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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 CO\u2082 emissions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lago Verde dam construction<\/h6>\n

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Find out more about the dams in Val d’Ultimo<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

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Lago Verde with ice<\/p>\n

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Zoccolo lake<\/p>\n

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Topographic monitoring of the Lago Verde dam<\/p>\n

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