El Cajón Dam on the Humuya River, Honduras

The El Cajón hydroelectric plant, officially known as Central Hidroeléctrica Francisco Morazán, is located on the Humuya River, in the central region of Honduras. The main purpose of the project is the production of electricity, but its implementation also ensures the control of floods and irrigation water, regulated throughout the year.

The concrete dam, arched and double curved, has a maximum height of 226 m and a crown length of 382 m. The thickness of the dam body varies from 48 m at the base to 7 m at the crest where, at an altitude of 301 m above sea level, an uncontrolled surface drain with four ports was created. At an altitude of 170 m, three bottom drains with a diameter of 4.8 m were created. The spillway, consisting of a pressure tunnel, made of concrete, has an internal diameter of 12 m and 290 m in length.

Thanks to its multifunctionality, the El Cajón reservoir not only contributes to the country's energy and water security but has also stimulated the development of local communities by increasing economic opportunities and promoting sustainable agricultural projects. Furthermore, the project incorporated environmental mitigation measures to protect the surrounding river ecosystems and favored the creation of recreational and tourist areas that enhance the natural heritage of the area.