Ōi Dam Explained

Ōi Dam
Name Official:大井ダム
Dam Crosses:Agi River
Res Name:Ena Gorge
Location:Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Dam Length:275.8 m
Dam Height:53.4 m
Construction Began:1922
Opening:1924
Owner:Kansai Electric Power Company
Dam Type:Gravity dam
Res Capacity Total:29,400,000 m3
Res Catchment:2,083.0 km2
Res Surface:141 hectares

The is a dam located between the cities of Ena and Nakatsugawa in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It was built to produce electricity for the surrounding area. The Agi River flows through the dam.

Built in 1924, the Ōi Dam was the first dam built anywhere on the Kiso River system. It is also the first full-scale hydroelectric dam built in Japan.[1] At 53.41NaN1 tall,[2] it is the largest gravity dam in Japan after the Taishakugawa Dam in Hiroshima Prefecture. In 1983, the New Ōi Dam (新大井ダム Shin-Ōi Damu) was built just downstream. Combined, they produce 80,000 kW of power.

History

The upper portions of the Kiso River have a strong flow in terms of speed and volume, making it an ideal location for hydroelectric dams. Interest in hydroelectric dams in Japan grew greatly in 1911 when a hydroelectric law was passed. Given the technologies of the time, though, building a dam along the Kiso River was too difficult because floods often occurred.

The introduction of hydroelectric power at Ōi Dam is considered the greatest lifetime achievement of businessman Momosuke Fukuzawa.

Surrounding area

The reservoir created by the dam was named Ena Gorge. More than 100NaN0, the gorge is lined by rocky walls on both sides. Along with the lake created by the Maruyama Dam downstream, the area has been designated the Hida-Kisogawa Quasi-National Park.

External links

35.4814°N 137.3962°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 大井ダム・大井発電所 . Oi Dam and Oi Power Plant . 2024-07-27 . Japan Society of Civil Engineers . ja.
  2. Web site: 大井ダム [岐阜県](おおい) . 2024-07-27 . 日本100ダム . ja.