Overview

Mazegawa No.2 Dam is a concrete gravity dam located in the city of Gero in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The structure is situated on the Maze River and serves as a key component of the broader Iwaya Dam project. This project is designed to provide comprehensive flood control across the wider Kiso River system. The dam was primarily constructed for hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the regional energy infrastructure of central Japan. It is currently operational and managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company.

The dam has a height of 44.5 meters. It was commissioned in 1976. The associated power plant has an installed capacity of 288,000 kilowatts. This capacity is equivalent to 288 megawatts. The facility utilizes water as its primary fuel source. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam plays a significant role in the hydroelectric network of the Chubu Electric Power Company. Its design as a concrete gravity dam ensures stability and efficiency in power generation. The dam's location in Gero allows it to harness the natural flow of the Maze River. This contributes to the overall energy output of the region. The Iwaya Dam project integrates multiple structures to optimize water management. Flood control is a critical function of this integrated system. The dam helps regulate water levels during peak flow periods. This reduces the risk of flooding in downstream areas. The hydroelectric generation provides a reliable source of renewable energy. The Chubu Electric Power Company oversees the maintenance and operation of the facility. The dam's construction in 1976 marked an important milestone in the region's energy development. The 44.5-meter height allows for sufficient head for power generation. The 288,000-kilowatt capacity supports local and regional electricity demand. The Maze River provides the necessary water flow for consistent operation. The Iwaya Dam project continues to be a vital part of the Kiso River system's management. The dam's operational status remains active. The facility continues to generate power and manage flood risks. The concrete gravity design is well-suited for the local geological conditions. The Chubu Electric Power Company's management ensures efficient operation. The dam's contribution to the Kiso River system's flood control is significant. The hydroelectric power generated helps meet energy needs in Gifu Prefecture. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam is a testament to the region's engineering capabilities. The facility's long-term operation highlights its durability and effectiveness. The Iwaya Dam project's integration of flood control and power generation is a model for regional water management. The dam's location in Gero provides strategic advantages for both energy production and flood mitigation. The Maze River's flow is effectively utilized by the dam's design. The 288-megawatt capacity is a substantial contribution to the local grid. The Chubu Electric Power Company's role in managing the dam is crucial for its continued success. The dam's construction in 1976 laid the foundation for decades of energy production. The 44.5-meter height is a key factor in its hydroelectric efficiency. The concrete gravity structure provides robust support for the dam's functions. The Iwaya Dam project's flood control benefits extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the dam. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam remains an essential part of Japan's hydroelectric infrastructure. The facility's operation continues to support the energy needs of the Chubu region. The dam's design and location reflect careful planning and engineering. The Maze River's resources are effectively harnessed for power generation. The Iwaya Dam project's dual purpose of flood control and power generation is a key feature. The dam's operational history since 1976 demonstrates its reliability. The 288,000-kilowatt capacity is a significant asset for the regional energy mix. The concrete gravity dam design is proven and effective. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam continues to serve the city of Gero and the wider Gifu Prefecture. The facility's contribution to the Kiso River system is ongoing. The dam's role in flood control is vital for the region's safety. The hydroelectric power generated is a clean energy source. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam is a key element of the Iwaya Dam project. The facility's design and operation reflect best practices in hydroelectric engineering. The dam's location on the Maze River is strategic for water management. The 288-megawatt capacity supports the local energy grid. The Chubu Electric Power Company's management is essential for the dam's success. The Iwaya Dam project's integration of multiple functions is a model for regional development. The facility's operation continues to benefit the region. The dam's construction in 1976 was a significant achievement. The concrete gravity design ensures long-term stability. The Maze River's flow is effectively utilized for power generation. The Iwaya Dam project's flood control benefits are significant. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam is a key component of the Kiso River system. The facility's hydroelectric capacity is a valuable resource. The dam's operation supports the energy needs of Gifu Prefecture. The Mazegawa No.2 Dam continues to serve the region effectively.

History and Construction

This project is designed to provide flood control across the wider Kiso River system, integrating multiple hydraulic structures to manage water flow and generate hydroelectric power. The dam has a height of 44.5 meters and is managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company, which oversees its operational status and maintenance.

Construction and Integration

The construction of the Mazegawa No.2 Dam was part of a strategic effort to enhance the hydroelectric capacity and flood management capabilities of the Kiso River basin. Its design as a concrete gravity dam ensures stability and efficiency in water retention and release, which is essential for both power generation and flood control. The integration of the Mazegawa No.2 Dam into the Iwaya Dam project allowed for a coordinated approach to managing the Maze River's flow, optimizing the use of water resources for energy production.

Commissioning and Operation

The Mazegawa No.2 Dam was commissioned in 1976, marking the beginning of its operational life. The associated power plant has a capacity of 288,000 kilowatts, providing a significant contribution to the Chubu Electric Power Company's energy portfolio. Since its inception, the dam has played a vital role in the region's energy supply, leveraging the natural flow of the Maze River to generate consistent hydroelectric power. The operational status of the dam remains active, with ongoing management by the Chubu Electric Power Company ensuring its continued efficiency and reliability in the Kiso River system.

Engineering and Technical Specifications

The Mazegawa No.2 Dam is engineered as a concrete gravity dam, a structural design that relies on its own weight to resist the horizontal force of the water it retains. This type of construction is characterized by a massive, triangular cross-section that distributes hydrostatic pressure directly into the riverbed foundation, providing stability against overturning and sliding. The dam is situated on the Maze River within the city of Gero in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It functions as an integral component of the broader Iwaya Dam project, which serves critical flood control functions across the wider Kiso River system. The structural integrity of the concrete gravity design ensures reliable performance under the variable flow conditions typical of the Kiso River basin.

This elevation is sufficient to create the necessary hydraulic head for the associated hydroelectric power generation facilities. The concrete structure is managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company, which oversees the operational maintenance and structural monitoring of the facility. The design prioritizes durability and flood mitigation capacity, aligning with the regional infrastructure goals for the Kiso River system.

Power Generation Capacity

The primary purpose of the Mazegawa No.2 Dam is hydroelectric power generation. This output contributes to the regional energy grid managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company. The hydroelectric facility converts the potential energy of the stored water into electrical energy, leveraging the 44.5-meter height of the concrete gravity dam to drive turbines. The plant has been operational since its commissioning in 1976, providing a consistent source of renewable energy for the region.

Technical Specification Value
Dam Type Concrete gravity dam
Height 44.5 meters
Primary Function Hydroelectric power generation and flood control
Power Plant Capacity 288,000 kilowatts
Operator Chubu Electric Power Company
Location Maze River, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Project Affiliation Iwaya Dam project (Kiso River system)

Role in the Iwaya Dam Project

Mazegawa No.2 Dam functions as a critical infrastructure node within the Iwaya Dam project, a comprehensive hydroelectric and flood control system designed to manage water resources across the wider Kiso River system in Japan. Located in the city of Gero in Gifu Prefecture, the dam is situated on the Maze River, serving as a key component in the regional water management strategy. The Iwaya Dam project integrates multiple structures to optimize both energy production and hydraulic regulation, with Mazegawa No.2 Dam playing a specific role in this coordinated network.

Integration with the Kiso River System

The Kiso River system is a major watershed in central Japan, requiring sophisticated engineering solutions to balance hydroelectric generation with flood mitigation. Mazegawa No.2 Dam contributes to this balance by acting as a flood control measure across the broader river basin. As part of the Iwaya Dam project, the structure helps regulate water flow, ensuring that downstream areas are protected during periods of high discharge while maintaining sufficient water volume for power generation. This integrated approach allows for more efficient use of water resources, reducing the vulnerability of the region to seasonal flooding and drought.

Operational Role and Management

Managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company, the Mazegawa No.2 Dam is operated in coordination with other facilities within the Iwaya Dam project. The Chubu Electric Power Company oversees the operational parameters of the dam, ensuring that its concrete gravity structure, which stands 44.5 meters high, performs effectively in its dual role of power generation and flood control. The dam's associated power plant has a capacity of 288,000 kilowatts, contributing significantly to the energy output of the region. This capacity is harnessed through the strategic release and retention of water, which is carefully managed to meet both energy demand and flood control objectives.

The construction of Mazegawa No.2 Dam was completed in 1976, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Iwaya Dam project. Since its commissioning, the dam has remained operational, continuing to serve as a vital link in the Kiso River system's infrastructure. The dam's design as a concrete gravity dam provides the structural integrity necessary to withstand the hydraulic pressures associated with its location on the Maze River. This robust construction ensures long-term reliability, supporting the ongoing needs of the Chubu Electric Power Company and the surrounding communities in Gifu Prefecture.

Hydroelectric Power Generation

The Mazegawa No.2 Dam serves as a critical infrastructure component within the Iwaya Dam project, functioning primarily to support hydroelectric power generation across the Kiso River system in Gifu Prefecture. Managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company, the facility integrates flood control mechanisms with energy production to stabilize regional power supply. The associated power plant operates with an installed capacity of 288,000 kilowatts, providing significant output for the Chubu region's electrical grid. This capacity positions the dam as a substantial contributor to the local energy mix, leveraging the consistent flow of the Maze River to drive turbine operations.

Operational Characteristics

The dam is engineered as a concrete gravity structure, standing at a height of 44.5 meters. This design choice ensures structural stability against the hydrostatic pressure of the Maze River, allowing for reliable long-term operation. The concrete gravity configuration is typical for sites requiring robust flood control capabilities alongside power generation, as the dam's own weight resists the upstream water pressure. The facility was commissioned in 1976, marking the beginning of its operational lifecycle within the broader Kiso River system management strategy. Since its inception, the dam has maintained an operational status, continuously feeding electricity into the grid managed by Chubu Electric Power Company.

Regional Grid Contribution

As part of the Iwaya Dam project, the Mazegawa No.2 Dam plays a dual role in regional infrastructure. While its primary function in this context is hydroelectric generation, its integration into the Kiso River system enhances overall flood control efficiency. The 288,000 kilowatt capacity provides a steady baseload or peaking power source, depending on the seasonal flow variations of the Maze River. Chubu Electric Power Company utilizes this output to balance demand in the central Japanese region, contributing to grid stability. The dam's location in the city of Gero allows for efficient transmission of generated power to nearby urban and industrial centers. The operational data confirms that the facility remains active, continuing to deliver energy output consistent with its initial design specifications since 1976.

Why it matters

The Mazegawa No.2 Dam serves as a critical node within the broader Iwaya Dam project, functioning as a dual-purpose infrastructure asset for the Kiso River system in central Japan. Located in the city of Gero in Gifu Prefecture, this concrete gravity dam is not merely a standalone hydroelectric facility but an integral component of a coordinated regional strategy for water resource management. Its primary operational significance lies in its ability to balance high-capacity power generation with essential flood control measures across the wider river basin. This dual utility is particularly vital in Gifu Prefecture, where seasonal precipitation and upstream runoff can exert significant pressure on downstream communities and industrial zones.

Hydroelectric Capacity and Grid Stability

From an energy infrastructure perspective, the associated power plant delivers a substantial capacity of 288,000 kilowatts (288 MW), managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company. This output contributes meaningfully to the reliability of the Chubu region's electrical grid. Commissioned in 1976, the facility has provided decades of stable baseload and peaking power, leveraging the natural head of the Maze River. The scale of this capacity underscores the dam's role in supporting the industrial and residential energy demands of central Japan. The concrete gravity design, standing 44.5 meters high, provides the structural integrity required to maintain consistent water flow regulation, which is essential for the efficient operation of the hydroelectric turbines.

Regional Flood Control Integration

The Kiso River system is one of Japan's major river networks, and effective flood control is necessary to protect agricultural land, urban infrastructure, and transportation corridors in Gifu and surrounding prefectures. By regulating water levels on the Maze River, the dam helps to attenuate peak flows during heavy rainfall events, reducing the hydraulic load on downstream sections of the Kiso River. This integration of flood control with power generation exemplifies the multi-objective engineering approach typical of major Japanese water infrastructure. The dam’s operational protocols likely coordinate with other structures in the Iwaya project to optimize both water storage for energy and release schedules for flood protection, ensuring resilience against hydrological variability in the region.

How does Mazegawa Dam contribute to regional flood control?

Mazegawa No.2 Dam serves as a critical component of the broader Iwaya Dam project, functioning primarily to mitigate flood risks across the extensive Kiso River system in Japan. Located in the city of Gero within Gifu Prefecture, the structure is situated directly on the Maze River, a key tributary influencing the hydrological dynamics of the region. The dam’s integration into the Iwaya project allows for coordinated water management strategies that extend beyond local boundaries, impacting flood control measures for the wider Kiso River basin. This systemic approach ensures that water levels are regulated effectively, reducing the potential for overflow and downstream inundation during periods of high rainfall or seasonal snowmelt.

Structural Design for Flood Mitigation

The engineering design of Mazegawa No.2 Dam is specifically tailored to support its dual role in hydroelectric power generation and flood control. As a concrete gravity dam, it utilizes its massive weight to resist the horizontal force of the water, providing stability and reliability in managing water flow. The structure stands at a height of 44.5 meters, a dimension that contributes significantly to its storage capacity and ability to regulate discharge rates. This height allows the dam to hold back substantial volumes of water from the Maze River, thereby smoothing out peak flows before they merge with the main stem of the Kiso River. The concrete gravity design is particularly effective in this context, as it offers robust resistance to both hydraulic pressure and seismic activity, which is a common consideration for infrastructure in Gifu Prefecture.

Integration with the Iwaya Dam Project

The operational effectiveness of Mazegawa No.2 Dam in flood control is enhanced by its inclusion in the Iwaya Dam project. This project encompasses a series of interconnected hydraulic structures designed to manage the water resources of the Kiso River system holistically. By acting in concert with other dams and reservoirs within the project, Mazegawa No.2 Dam helps to balance water distribution and storage across the network. This coordinated management is essential for addressing the varied hydrological conditions of the Kiso River, which is one of Japan's major river systems. The Chubu Electric Power Company, which manages the dam, oversees these operations to ensure that flood control objectives are met while simultaneously maintaining the efficiency of the associated power plant, which has a capacity of 288,000 kilowatts. The synergy between power generation and flood mitigation demonstrates the strategic importance of the dam within the regional infrastructure framework.

What distinguishes Mazegawa Dam from other hydroelectric projects in Gifu?

The Mazegawa No.2 Dam is distinguished within Gifu Prefecture's hydroelectric infrastructure by its specific role within the broader Iwaya Dam project, functioning as a critical component of the flood control system for the wider Kiso River system. Located in the city of Gero, this concrete gravity dam rises to a height of 44.5 meters, a structural specification that supports its dual purpose of water management and power generation on the Maze River. The facility is managed by the Chubu Electric Power Company, which has operated the plant since its commissioning in 1976, integrating it into the regional grid to provide consistent energy output.

Technical Specifications and Capacity

The associated power plant features a capacity of 288,000 kilowatts, a significant output that underscores the dam's importance in the local energy mix. This capacity is achieved through the hydroelectric conversion of water from the Maze River, leveraging the concrete gravity design to maintain structural integrity and efficient water flow. The 288,000 kilowatt rating represents the installed power generation potential, allowing the Chubu Electric Power Company to regulate energy supply based on the hydrological conditions of the Kiso River system. The dam's operational status remains active, continuing to contribute to the energy infrastructure of Japan since its initial launch.

Regional Context in Gifu Prefecture

In the context of Gifu Prefecture, the Mazegawa No.2 Dam serves as a key example of mid-20th-century hydroelectric development. The concrete gravity construction method provides a robust foundation for the 44.5-meter structure, enabling effective flood control across the Kiso River basin. This integration of flood management and power generation is a defining characteristic of the Iwaya Dam project, differentiating the Mazegawa No.2 Dam from standalone hydroelectric facilities. The Chubu Electric Power Company's management ensures that the 288,000 kilowatt capacity is utilized efficiently, supporting the energy demands of the region while maintaining the hydrological balance of the Maze River. The dam's location in Gero city further highlights the strategic placement of hydroelectric infrastructure in Gifu, where the topography of the Kiso River system allows for effective water retention and power generation.

See also