El Corchado hydroelectric power station [Hydraulic Heritage]
GENERAL INFORMATION
• Heritage Value: Medium
• Landscape Value: High
• Condition: High state of repair
• Type of hydraulic structure: Industrial
• Stage of the Great Málaga Path: Stage 28. Genalguacil - Casares
• Where to find it: Gaucín
• Period: 1906
• Architect: Hidroeléctrica del Guadiaro. Werner and Jiménez Lombardo.
• UTM Coordinates: 284562,5986, 4041602,371
HOW TO FIND IT
The dam and the canal head can be found a few metres upstream the Guadiaro River in the village of Colmenar (Cádiz). The canal runs parallel to the river on its left bank until it reaches the El Corchado hydroelectric power station.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The El Corchado hydroelectric plant includes:
- A hydroelectric power station (142 m high) with two big penstocks supplying each turbine - A dam and canal for hydroelectric purposes
- Turbines in the El Corchado hydroelectric power station building (Generated power: 12,500 kW) - A village bearing the same name
CURRENT CONDITION
The dam is still in use and is the only operating one of its kind in Spain.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
La Hidroeléctrica del Guadiaro power plant was established along with the foundation of an energy production plant located on the Guadiaro River, close to Gaucín. The company was set up in Málaga in 1904 in order to produce energy for resale. El Corchado power station produced 4,000 hp and was to supply the area of Villamartín, Jeréz de la Frontera, Utrera, Dos Hermanas and Seville city once a 125-km long line at 50,000 V had been built.
More information
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