About Bemposta Dam

Bemposta dam is a major hydroelectric facility on the international stretch of the Douro river, shared between Portugal and Spain in the Trás-os-Montes region. Completed in 1964, the double-curvature arch dam stands 87 metres tall and holds 128.8 million cubic metres. The dam was built under a bilateral agreement for the development of the Douro's hydroelectric potential, which has been exploited by both countries since the mid-20th century. Bemposta's power station includes a recently added pump-storage capability through the Bemposta II project. The reservoir sits in one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Portugal, where the Douro carves deep canyons through granite cliffs along the Spanish border.