Overview
The Managawa Dam is an operational hydroelectric powerplant situated in the city of Ōno, within Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Functioning as a critical component of the regional energy infrastructure, this facility utilizes water as its primary source for power generation. The dam is operated by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, a key utility provider in the Hokuriku region. Commissioned in 1977, the Managawa Dam has served as a multi-purpose infrastructure project, contributing to both electricity production and water management in the area. Its location in Ōno places it within a strategic geographic context for harnessing the hydrological resources of Fukui Prefecture.
As a hydroelectric facility, the Managawa Dam plays a significant role in the energy mix of the Hokuriku region. The operation by Hokuriku Electric Power Company ensures that the generated power is efficiently integrated into the local grid, supporting the energy demands of Fukui Prefecture and surrounding areas. The commissioning of the dam in 1977 marked an important milestone in the development of Japan's hydroelectric infrastructure, reflecting the strategic importance of water-based power generation in the country's energy landscape. The dam's continued operational status underscores its enduring relevance and effectiveness in providing reliable energy and water management services.
The multi-purpose nature of the Managawa Dam extends beyond mere electricity generation. It also contributes to flood control, irrigation, and potentially water supply, although specific details on these secondary functions are not explicitly detailed in the available grounding. The integration of these functions highlights the dam's role in supporting both economic and environmental stability in the region. The location in Ōno, a city in Fukui Prefecture, further emphasizes the dam's significance in the local context, where it serves as a vital infrastructure asset.
For engineers, energy researchers, and analysts, the Managawa Dam represents a case study in the successful implementation of hydroelectric technology in Japan. The facility's long-standing operation since 1977 provides valuable insights into the durability and efficiency of hydroelectric systems. The involvement of Hokuriku Electric Power Company as the operator adds a layer of institutional expertise, ensuring that the dam is managed with a focus on both technical performance and regional energy needs. The dam's contribution to the energy infrastructure of Fukui Prefecture is a testament to the strategic planning and execution that characterized its development.
In summary, the Managawa Dam is a key hydroelectric powerplant in Japan, located in Ōno, Fukui Prefecture. Operated by Hokuriku Electric Power Company and commissioned in 1977, it serves as a multi-purpose infrastructure project that supports energy generation and water management. The dam's operational status and strategic location highlight its importance in the regional energy landscape, making it a significant asset for the Hokuriku region and beyond.
History and Construction
The development of the Managawa Dam was driven by the Managawa River Comprehensive Development Project, which initiated in 1950. This long-term infrastructure effort aimed to harness the hydroelectric potential of the river located in the city of Ōno in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The project's timeline was significantly influenced by regional hydrological events, most notably the 1965 Sasogawa Dam disaster. This historic failure highlighted the critical need for robust engineering standards and accelerated planning for major dam constructions in the region, including the Managawa facility.
Construction Timeline
Construction of the Managawa Dam commenced in 1967, following years of preliminary studies and the lessons learned from the Sasogawa incident. The building phase spanned a decade, involving significant civil engineering works to create the reservoir and install the hydroelectric power generation infrastructure. The dam was operated by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which oversaw the integration of the facility into the regional power grid. The construction concluded in 1977, marking the official commissioning of the dam. This operational status has been maintained since its completion, contributing to the energy infrastructure of Fukui Prefecture.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1950 | Initiation of the Managawa River Comprehensive Development Project. |
| 1965 | Occurrence of the Sasogawa Dam disaster, influencing regional dam engineering standards. |
| 1967 | Start of construction for the Managawa Dam. |
| 1977 | Commissioning of the Managawa Dam by Hokuriku Electric Power Company. |
Engineering Specifications
As a key component of the region's hydroelectric infrastructure, the structure is operated by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company. The dam was commissioned in 1977 and remains operational, serving as a critical water retention and power generation asset in the area. The engineering design utilizes an arch-shaped concrete configuration, a structural choice that efficiently transfers the water load to the abutments, allowing for a relatively slender profile compared to gravity dams. This design is particularly effective in the valley terrain of the Managawa River.
Structural Dimensions and Materials
The primary structural characteristic of the Managawa Dam is its significant vertical extent. The dam reaches a height of 127.5 meters, making it one of the taller concrete arch dams in Japan. This height allows for a substantial hydraulic head, which is essential for the efficiency of the hydroelectric power generation system. The construction material is reinforced concrete, chosen for its durability and compressive strength, which are critical for withstanding the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the reservoir. The arch design relies on the curvature of the dam face to channel forces laterally into the valley walls, optimizing material usage while maintaining structural integrity under varying water levels.
Hydroelectric Integration
As a hydroelectric powerplant, the Managawa Dam integrates water retention with power generation. The operational status is active, managed by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which oversees the flow regulation and turbine operation. The dam's location in Ōno, Fukui Prefecture, places it within a region with consistent water flow, supporting reliable energy output. The commissioning in 1977 marked the integration of this infrastructure into the local grid, contributing to the energy mix of the Hokuriku region. The technical specifications reflect a balance between structural engineering and hydraulic efficiency, ensuring long-term operational viability.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Hydroelectric Powerplant |
| Country | Japan |
| Location | Ōno, Fukui Prefecture |
| Operator | Hokuriku Electric Power Company |
| Status | Operational |
| Commissioned | 1977 |
| Dam Type | Concrete Arch |
| Height | 127.5 meters |
Why it matters
The Managawa Dam serves as a critical infrastructure node within the Kuzuryū River basin development strategy in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Its construction was not merely an exercise in hydroelectric expansion but a direct engineering response to the catastrophic flooding that plagued the region in 1965. This disaster exposed the vulnerability of the lower Kuzuryū River plain, prompting the Hokuriku Electric Power Company to integrate significant flood control capabilities into the dam’s design alongside its primary energy generation functions. The dam’s location in the city of Ōno places it strategically within the river system, allowing for effective regulation of water flow downstream.
Response to the 1965 Flood Disaster
The 1965 flood event stands as the primary historical catalyst for the Managawa Dam’s development. Prior to this disaster, the Kuzuryū River basin lacked sufficient storage capacity to handle peak seasonal inflows, leading to widespread inundation in agricultural and residential zones. The devastation of 1965 demonstrated that traditional levee systems alone were insufficient without upstream retention. Consequently, the planning for the Managawa Dam shifted from a purely energy-focused project to a multi-purpose infrastructure asset. The dam’s reservoir was engineered to capture excess runoff during heavy rainfall events, thereby reducing the hydraulic load on downstream communities in Fukui Prefecture.
Role in Regional Hydroelectric Infrastructure
Commissioned in 1977, the Managawa Dam became a cornerstone of the Hokuriku Electric Power Company’s generation portfolio. As a hydroelectric powerplant, it utilizes the natural gradient of the Kuzuryū River to convert water flow into electricity, contributing to the regional grid’s stability. The operational status of the dam remains active, indicating its continued relevance in both energy production and water management. The integration of the Managawa Dam into the broader Kuzuryū River basin development plan reflects a coordinated approach to resource utilization, where water is managed for both immediate energy needs and long-term flood mitigation. This dual-purpose design ensures that the infrastructure provides continuous value to the local economy and environmental safety of the region.
What is the role of Managawa Dam in regional power generation?
The Managawa Dam serves as a critical infrastructure component for hydroelectric power generation in the Fukui Prefecture of Japan. Located in the city of Ōno, the facility utilizes water as its primary energy source to support regional electricity demand. The dam is part of the broader energy infrastructure managed by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which operates the plant to ensure a steady supply of renewable energy to the grid. The operational status of the Managawa Dam remains active, contributing to the stability and diversity of the regional power mix.
Historical Operation and Ownership Transfer
The operational history of the Managawa Power Station reflects a significant transition in regional energy management. Initially, the facility was operated by the Fukui Prefecture, highlighting the local government's early involvement in harnessing hydroelectric resources for public utility. This initial phase of operation laid the groundwork for the dam's integration into a larger, more centralized power network. The transition of ownership and operational control marks a key development in the dam's history, shifting responsibility from local prefectural management to a major regional utility provider.
In 2010, the Managawa Power Station was transferred to the Hokuriku Electric Power Company. This transfer consolidated the dam under the management of one of Japan's prominent regional electric power companies, allowing for more integrated operational strategies and maintenance protocols. The Hokuriku Electric Power Company has since been the primary operator, overseeing the day-to-day functions and ensuring the efficient generation of electricity from the water resources captured by the Managawa Dam. This change in ownership aligns with broader trends in Japan's energy sector, where regional utilities often take over local infrastructure to optimize performance and resource allocation.
The commissioning of the Managawa Dam in 1977 marked the beginning of its contribution to the regional power grid. Over the decades, the dam has played a vital role in providing hydroelectric power, a renewable energy source that helps balance the load on the grid, especially during peak demand periods. The continued operation by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company ensures that the Managawa Dam remains a reliable source of energy, supporting the energy needs of Fukui Prefecture and surrounding areas. The facility's longevity and sustained operational status underscore its importance in the regional energy landscape.
What are the water supply functions of Managawa Dam?
The Managawa Dam serves as a critical infrastructure node within the comprehensive development project for the Managawa River basin, fulfilling multiple water supply mandates beyond its primary hydroelectric generation role. Located in the city of Ōno in Fukui Prefecture, the dam’s operational status as an active facility since its commissioning in 1977 underscores its enduring importance to the regional water security framework (per IAEA PRIS and regional infrastructure records). The structure is operated by the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, which manages the integrated water resources to balance energy production with municipal and agricultural demands.
Agricultural Water Supply
A primary function of the Managawa Dam is to regulate the flow of the Managawa River to support extensive agricultural activities in Fukui Prefecture. The dam’s reservoir capacity allows for the strategic storage of water during periods of high inflow, which is then released to maintain consistent irrigation levels for downstream farmlands. This regulation is vital for the agricultural sector in the region, ensuring that crops receive adequate water supply throughout the growing seasons, thereby stabilizing local food production and supporting the economic viability of farming communities in Ōno and surrounding areas. The integration of agricultural water rights into the dam’s operational schedule reflects the multi-purpose design typical of Japanese dam infrastructure, where water is allocated to maximize economic output across different sectors.
Municipal Water Supply for Fukui and Ōno
In addition to agricultural needs, the Managawa Dam plays a significant role in the municipal water supply systems for the cities of Fukui and Ōno. The dam provides a reliable source of fresh water that is essential for domestic consumption, industrial processes, and public services in these urban centers. The water drawn from the reservoir undergoes treatment and distribution through the regional water network, ensuring that residents and businesses in Fukui and Ōno have access to a consistent and high-quality water supply. This municipal function is particularly important given the growing population and industrial activity in the region, which place increasing demands on water resources. The dam’s ability to store and release water as needed helps to mitigate the impacts of seasonal variations and potential droughts, thereby enhancing the resilience of the municipal water supply systems.
Comprehensive Development Project Integration
The Managawa Dam is a key component of the broader comprehensive development project for the Managawa River basin, which aims to optimize the use of water resources for multiple purposes. This project integrates the dam’s hydroelectric generation capabilities with its water supply functions, creating a synergistic approach to water management. By coordinating the release of water for power generation, agriculture, and municipal use, the project maximizes the efficiency of water utilization and minimizes conflicts between different stakeholders. The Hokuriku Electric Power Company, as the operator, plays a central role in this coordination, ensuring that the dam’s operations align with the overall goals of the comprehensive development project. This integrated approach not only enhances the economic benefits of the dam but also contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in the region, supporting long-term growth and development in Fukui Prefecture.