The extraordinary structure of the hydroelectric plants of the Val d'Ultimo

Between the fifties and seventies the Val d'Ultimo has profoundly changed its appearance. In the period between 1949 and 1969, in fact, majestic hydroelectric engineering works were carried out here which today lead the valley to supply 8% of all South Tyrolean energy. There are in fact 6 power plants, with a complex system of massive dams, which guarantee 390 million Kilowatt hours, supplying electricity to about 85,000 users. The system has been studied in a very meticulous way, in order to make the most of the water flow of the Valsura river. The first plant is at 2599 meters above sea level: it took a cableway to bring the means of work up there. From the dam of the Verde lake the water then descends to the Quaira lake, the Pesce lake and the Fontana Bianca power plant. Further downstream are the Santa Valburga power plant and the Pracomune power plant, which is located inside a cave. The water continues towards the Zoccolo lake, the San Pancrazio plant and finally to the Alboredo lake. The last plant is that of wool, then the water returns to the river and is used to irrigate the orchards.