EDP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Proaza hydroelectric plant
The act of commemoration will take place on Thursday, November 22 at the Asturian headquarters - watch live.
The hydroelectric power plant of Proaza (Asturias), owned by EDP and an example of the Spanish industrial heritage of the 20th century, celebrates its first half century of life. To celebrate this milestone, the company organized a commemorative event that will be attended by the President of the Principality of Asturias, Javier Fernández; the president of EDP España, Manuel Menéndez; the CEO of EDP España, Rui Teixeira; and the Minister of Employment, Industry and Tourism of the Principality of Asturias, Isaac Pola.
The event will also be attended by Joaquín Vaquero Ibáñez, grandson of the creator of the installation, the renowned architect Joaquín Vaquero Palacios. Vaquero Ibáñez will carry out, along with the authorities, a tour of the exhibition prepared for the occasion. The exhibition summarizes the history of the first 50 years of Proaza, as well as the trajectory of its creator.
Inaugurated in 1968 and located on the right bank of the Trubia river, the Proaza hydroelectric plant has operated, since its commissioning, more than 248,000 hours and generated more than 4,200 GWh, the equivalent to the consumption of more than one million homes. 1979 was the year of greatest production, when the plant generated 124 GWh. At present, 50 years later, it is still active, and thanks to the continuous investments made by EDP and the constant involvement and dedication of all the people who work there, it is in perfect condition.
The hydraulic power plant of Proaza is one of the twelve hydraulic power plants that the EDP Group, a world leader in renewable energy, has in Spain. The versatile artist Joaquín Vaquero Palacios is responsible for the conception of, in total, four such centers, which he managed to convert into authentic 'industrial cathedrals' (Proaza, Salime, Miranda and Tanes).
Likewise, Proaza is one of the EDP facilities in Spain that receives the most visits, and is the object of study, both industrial and artistic. The company's production centers receive more than 3,000 people each year. Proaza only receives half of that.