EL PROYECTO HIDROELÉCTRICO DEL SALTO DE LAS AGUJAS

Abstract

The process of initial electrification of Valencia suffers a qualitative leap with the exploitation of hydropower. The Jucar river has been and is the largest source of hydroelectric power in the province of Valencia. From 1982 on, electricity business begins to glimpse and different concessionaires shared all feasible waterfalls in its basin. One of the most important, due to the electrical power it could provide, was called “Salto de las Agujas” (Needles waterfall), located near the town of Millares. The “Sociedad Hidroelectrica de Valencia” (Valencia Hydroelectric Company) acquired the concession in 1897 with the goal of developing the exploitation, but the project was delayed by the technical difficulties it presented and the financial inability of the concessionaire. Finally, the concession was handed to “Hidroeléctrica Española” (Spanish Hydroelectric Company). The latter presented a new project of unification with the previous upstream waterfall, known as “Dos Aguas”, although the project was not technically feasible and retreated to the initial idea, dividing the work into two facilities. The final design was completed in 1921. This paper analyses the historical development of this flagship project and its impact on the early electrification of the province of Valencia.