Cancano Dam, Italy

The Cancano (II) Dam is a gravity arch dam located on the Adda River, constructed between 1952 and 1956. This impressive project was carried out with the goal of providing hydroelectric power to the surrounding region, particularly to supply the Premadio plant.

The dam is situated just downstream of the old Cancano I Dam, which is now submerged. Its construction required the use of granite blocks to completely cover the upstream side, providing robust protection against ice. This construction choice has ensured the durability and resilience of the structure over time, especially in the harsh winter conditions typical of the Alpine region.

The reservoir created by the dam has a capacity of 123 million cubic meters, a considerable volume that significantly contributes to the regulation of the Adda River's waters. The dam's surface, intermediate, and bottom outlets have a total capacity of 220 m³/s, allowing for efficient water flow management and preventing potential flooding.

The Cancano (II) Dam plays a crucial role in the production of hydroelectric power, a renewable and clean energy source. The Premadio plant directly benefits from the reservoir, utilizing the stored water to generate electricity, thus helping to meet the region's energy needs.

In summary, the Cancano (II) Dam represents a significant example of post-war Italian hydraulic engineering, combining energy efficiency and structural robustness to serve local communities and contribute to sustainable development.