Solina Dam (Poland) - dam on San River

The Solina Dam is one of the most impressive hydrotechnical structures in Poland, and its majestic structure and importance for the Bieszczady region make it a place that attracts the attention of not only engineers but also tourists. Although many people know it mainly as a tourist attraction, its history, construction and functioning hide many interesting facts and curiosities. In this article, we will try to present the history of the dam, talk about the challenges associated with its construction and present its technical aspects.

History of the Solina Dam

The design of the dam on the San, from which the Solina dam was later born, was created in 1921. At that time, engineers noticed that the San River, especially in the Bieszczady area, was characterized by a very variable water flow. During the spring thaw, the river would overflow, causing floods that posed a serious threat to local villages and farms. The concept of the dam was therefore intended not only to protect against the elements, but also to store water and produce electricity.

The first serious preparations for the construction of the dam began in 1937. Unfortunately, these plans were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. It was not until after the war, in the 1950s, that work on the project was resumed, and the actual construction began in 1960. The decision was made to implement the undertaking, which was of fundamental importance for the region's water management. The construction of the dam was a huge engineering and logistical challenge, which required the involvement of not only large financial resources, but also the resettlement of thousands of people.

Before the construction of the dam began, local communities living in the areas designated for the future lake had to be resettled. This involved the abandonment and demolition of many buildings, including entire villages. Towns such as Solina, Zawóz and Rajskie were among those that were flooded, which was a huge blow to the inhabitants of these areas. As a result, the water covered several historical settlements, and a new, artificial lake was created above them – Lake Solina.

The Solina Dam – impressive dimensions and technical data

The Solina Dam is an impressive 81.8 meters high, making it the highest dam in Poland. Its massive structure attracts attention and commands respect. The very fact that the structure is so high makes it a unique object on a national scale, and its size is only fully visible when we are at its foot.

The dam also created a huge lake, which has become one of the most recognizable water reservoirs in Poland – Lake Solina. This reservoir has a capacity of as much as 474 million cubic meters of water, and its surface area exceeds 2100 hectares. The length of Lake Solina is an impressive 27 kilometers, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in the country. It is also worth mentioning the maximum depth of the lake, which is as much as 60 meters. All this data shows that the dam and the lake in Solina are an undertaking on a huge scale.

The shore length of the lake is as much as 150 kilometers, which provides many opportunities for both tourists and water sports enthusiasts. It is also an area of ​​great ecological importance, where you can find numerous species of animals and plants, which additionally emphasizes the unique character of this place.

Solina Hydroelectric Power Plant - the heart of the dam

One of the main reasons for building the dam in Solina was the need to produce electricity. That is why a modern pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant was built at the dam, which still plays a key role in the Polish energy system. This power plant is equipped with four Francis-type turbine sets, which have a total installed capacity of 136 MW. After the modernization planned for the coming years, this capacity is to increase to 200 MW, which will further increase its potential.

The hydroelectric power plant in Solina produces an average of 112 GWh of electricity per year, which is a significant amount of renewable energy that powers the region and helps stabilize the national energy grid. This is an important element of the Polish energy economy, which shows how key a role renewable sources can play in our everyday lives.

It is also worth mentioning that the Solina dam would not function without a complex system of channels that allow for the regulation of water flow. Two steep drainage channels drain excess water, and the discharge of water from the dam is not only effective but also spectacular. The waterfalls that are created as a result of this process are spectacular and are a tourist attraction, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Difficulties and challenges during the construction of the dam

The construction of the dam in Solina was one of the greatest engineering challenges of the 20th century in Poland. The project involved over 2,000 workers, who, despite difficult working conditions, managed to complete the construction in less than a decade. Interestingly, despite the complicated and dangerous construction, there were no fatal accidents during the entire process. This is extremely rare, especially at that time, when safety standards were much lower than today.

The dam was built using 820 thousand cubic meters of concrete, and its production used 1.7 million tons of aggregate and 200 thousand tons of cement. The dam itself weighs about 2 million tons, which shows how powerful and solid this structure is. The entire structure has been divided into 43 sections, which allows for easier management of its maintenance and control. What is more, there are four levels of communication and control galleries with a total length of 2 kilometers inside the dam. Thanks to this, regular inspection and maintenance of this gigantic structure is possible.

Solina-Myczkowce Hydroelectric Power Plant Complex

It is also worth mentioning that the Solina dam is not the only structure of this type in the region. The Solina-Myczkowce Hydroelectric Power Plant Complex also includes the Myczkowce dam. Although it is much smaller than the Solina dam, it has its own significance for the region. The Myczkowce dam is 430 meters long and 23 meters high, and its volume is 216 thousand cubic meters. Together with the Solina dam, it creates an integrated system for regulating water flow and generating electricity, making them key elements of the Podkarpacie water management.

Interesting facts and the impact of the dam on the region

The Solina dam is not only a gigantic technical structure, but also a place of great tourist importance. Lake Solina attracts thousands of tourists every year, who enjoy the charms of this picturesque region. Numerous recreation centers, marinas, as well as bicycle and hiking trails have been built around the lake. It is an ideal place for water sports enthusiasts, sailors, anglers and all those who want to relax in the bosom of nature.

However, the construction of the dam also had its dark side. Many residents who lived in the areas flooded by the lake had to leave their homes, which was associated with many difficult experiences. Memories of former villages that were flooded still live on in the stories of local residents and are part of the history of this place.

Awards and distinctions related to the Solina dam

Since its construction, the Solina dam has become a symbol of the achievements of Polish hydrotechnical engineering. It is one of the most important projects of its kind in Poland, which has received many awards and distinctions in national and international arenas.

One of the first distinctions that the dam received was the State Award awarded in the 1970s for its contribution to the development of the national energy economy and for the skillful combination of flood protection with energy production. It was a special recognition for the engineers and builders who contributed to the implementation of this ambitious project.

In later years, the dam was also distinguished in architectural and engineering competitions, such as the Award of the Association of Water and Land Reclamation Engineers and Technicians for innovative technological solutions in hydrotechnics. Particular attention was paid to the complex construction of the dam, which was pioneering compared to other European structures of this type.

Thanks to its importance for tourism and culture, the dam was also included on the list of Polish Wonders of Technology, which contributed to even greater promotion of this region. It is also worth mentioning that this facility has been awarded many times at international symposia on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Films and books related to the Solina dam

The Solina dam, due to its monumental character and unique location in the picturesque Bieszczady Mountains, has become an inspiration for film and literary creators. Since its construction, the dam has appeared several times in various productions, which have shown its power and the mystical atmosphere of the surrounding lake.

One of the most famous films in which the Solina dam played a key role is the 2016 production "On the Border". This gripping thriller, set in the harsh conditions of the Bieszczady Mountains, used the dam and its surroundings as a backdrop for the plot. The monumental structure of the dam has become one of the symbols of the ruthlessness of nature and man in the face of extreme situations.

The dam has also appeared in several documentaries that have presented its history and the construction process. Productions such as "Solina Dam - a Miracle of Hydrotechnics" show the backstage of the construction of the dam, talking to engineers, builders and residents of the region, who talk about the impact of this structure on their lives. These documents emphasize not only the technological aspect of the project, but also its social consequences.

In terms of literature, the dam and Lake Solina appear in many novels and reports, often as a backdrop for action. "Where the San River Gets Lost in the Lake" is one of the books that tells the story of the lives of residents displaced during the construction of the dam. The author shows with great sensitivity the difficult decisions that people forced to leave their homes had to make, and their emotions related to the loss of their life's work.

The dam has also appeared in several adventure novels, where it serves as a setting for mysterious events. An example is the novel "The Mystery of the Solina Dam", which combines elements of crime and thriller, using the surroundings of the dam as a place full of riddles and dark secrets.

Summary

The Solina Dam is not only the highest dam in Poland, but also a symbol of the triumph of human engineering over the forces of nature. Its impressive dimensions, advanced technology and importance for the region make it a place worth visiting. On the one hand, it is a key element of the Polish energy system, and on the other - a tourist attraction that attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. The construction of this dam is an example of how much can be achieved with determination, knowledge and skills, as well as what a powerful impact a single investment can have on the surroundings.