Curnera Dam, Switzerland

The Curnera Dam, located in the Canton of Graubünden in Switzerland, is an impressive concrete structure standing 152 meters high, built between 1962 and 1966. It is an integral part of a hydroelectric system managed by the company Ovra Electrica Rein Anteriur, utilizing the waters of tributaries of the High Rhine.

With a crest length of 350 meters, the Curnera Dam creates a reservoir capable of holding up to 40 million cubic meters of water. The artificial lake, called “Lai da Curnera,” reaches a maximum volume of 41.1 million cubic meters and extends for 2 kilometers, with a maximum altitude of 1956 meters above sea level.

The infrastructure includes a spillway with a discharge capacity of 160 m³/s, essential for managing high water flows and preventing emergency situations during flood periods.

The primary function of the Curnera Dam is the production of hydroelectric power, a significant contribution to the electricity supply in the region. Thanks to its location and capacity, the dam efficiently harnesses local water resources, providing clean and renewable energy.

In summary, the Curnera Dam represents not only a crucial engineering work for the Canton of Graubünden but also a pillar of sustainable energy supply in Switzerland, demonstrating the importance and rational use of water resources for the community's well-being and environmental protection.