Barragem de Girabolhos: Novo Concurso Após Cancelamento e 20 Anos de Espera
After two decades of delays, construction of the Girabolhos dam in the Viseu and Guarda districts of Portugal is set to move forward. The Portuguese Environment and Energy Ministry announced the tender process will be launched at the end of March, marking a renewed effort to address longstanding concerns about flooding on the Mondego River.
A History of Delays and Revisions
The Girabolhos dam project dates back to 2007, when it was included in the National programme of Dams with High Hydroelectric Potential. Initially launched by the government of José Sócrates, the project gained momentum when Endesa won the tender to build the dam in 2010, receiving preliminary approval from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). However, progress stalled during Portugal’s period of economic austerity following the “troika” intervention.
Political Shifts and Cancellation
The project faced a significant setback when António Costa’s government cancelled the dam in 2016, citing legal, contractual, and financial concerns, as well as considerations for renewable energy goals and economic decarbonization. Then-Minister of the Environment, João Pedro Matos Fernandes, justified the decision.
Renewed Focus on Water Security and Energy Production
The current government, led by Luís Montenegro, is now prioritizing the Girabolhos dam as a key infrastructure project. Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho emphasized the dam’s strategic importance for bolstering water security, protecting populations in the Mondego valley, and increasing national renewable energy production.
Beyond Hydroelectric Power
The project is not solely focused on electricity generation. According to Nuno Ribeiro da Silva, who led Endesa during the initial concession and cancellation processes, the dam would also serve as a “battery,” storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind power. This proves also expected to help regulate the flow of the Mondego River, which has historically experienced both severe flooding and periods of low water levels.
The planned dam is estimated to cost 300 million euros and is expected to be completed between 2026 and 2037, though the funding source remains to be determined. The project is part of a broader national water management strategy, “Água que Une,” which allocates five billion euros in investment through 2030 to increase water availability for irrigation and enhance the country’s resilience to water scarcity.
What Could Happen Next
With the tender process scheduled to begin at the end of March, the next phase will involve selecting a construction firm and finalizing the project’s design and environmental impact assessments. If all goes according to plan, construction could commence in 2026. However, potential challenges remain, including securing adequate funding and navigating any potential legal challenges. The successful completion of the Girabolhos dam could significantly improve flood control and water resource management in the Mondego River basin, but its realization depends on sustained political commitment and effective project management.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Girabolhos dam project first launched?
The Girabolhos dam project was first launched in 2007 as part of the National programme of Dams with High Hydroelectric Potential by the government of José Sócrates.
Why was the project cancelled in 2016?
The project was cancelled in 2016 by the government of António Costa following an analysis of legal, contractual, and financial aspects, as well as considerations for renewable energy goals and economic decarbonization.
What is the estimated cost of the project?
The current estimated cost of the project is 300 million euros, with a planned completion date between 2026, and 2037.
Given the long and complex history of the Girabolhos dam project, what factors will be most critical to its successful completion this time around?