Nouradin Hydroproject

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The Nouradin Hydroproject, also known as the Nouradin River Hydroelectric National District, is a hydroelectric gravity dam and water processing and reclamation complex on the Nouradin River in the continent of Eura near the city of Corrada del Rio in the Region of Alduria, Nouvelle Alexandrie. As of 1743 AN, the Nouradin Hydroproject has an installed capacity of 28,500 megawatts. The dam generates an average of 115±22 TWh of electricity per year, depending on annual precipitation in the river basin. The water processing and reclamation facilities process 2.8 billion gallons of water daily, cleaning both river water and wastewater from cities and settlements throughout central Alduria. The project has become a cornerstone of Alduria's water security and energy independence while playing a crucial role in the Nouradin River restoration initiative.

History

Construction on the vast hydroelectric complex began in 1680 AN. The dam body was completed in 1685 AN. A heavy infusion of funding and an expansion of the construction plans stemming from the New Prosperity Plan led to the start of the construction of water reclamation facilities and wastewater treatment plants around 1686 AN. The large power plant complex of the dam project was completed and fully functional in 1687 AN. The final turbines and other additions that began construction, including the vast water processing complexes included in the new plans, in 1687 AN were finally completed in 1698 AN. Coupling the dam's 32 main turbines with two smaller generators (50 MW each) to power the plant itself, the total electric generating capacity of the dam initially reached 22,500 MW.

The ship lifts and navigable locks were completed in 1700 AN, slightly behind the original schedule due to engineering challenges with the massive lock systems. The completed navigational components included four parallel ship locks capable of handling vessels up to 20,000 tons, with a lift capacity of 113 meters. A secondary set of smaller locks for recreational and light commercial traffic was added during construction, responding to increased commercial interest in river navigation.

This project has been regarded as a monumental social and economical success in an area historically known for chronic water shortage issues and extreme environmental challenges. The project's environmental mitigation measures successfully preserved 83% of identified archaeological sites through either relocation or protective structures, although 17 significant sites were submerged as the reservoir filled. The relocation program moved approximately 138,000 residents from the reservoir zone, with comprehensive compensation and resettlement support.

Aldurian Tunnel & Reservoir Plan (1698-1711)

The Nouradin Hydroproject included the ambitious Aldurian Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (AT&RP). The first phase, completed in 1698 AN, constructed 109.4 miles of deep, large-diameter tunnels (9 to 33 feet in diameter) providing 2.3 billion gallons of storage capacity as part of an extensive flood mitigation and pollution control system.

The second phase, completed in 1709 AN (slightly delayed from the original 1708 AN schedule), added three major reservoirs and specialized water processing facilities such as the North Basin Reservoir (9.4 billion gallon capacity), the Central Purification Reservoir (5.7 billion gallon capacity), and the Southern Agricultural Supply Reservoir (3.2 billion gallon capacity).

This phase also included six advanced water treatment facilities specializing in heavy metal removal, biological contaminant elimination, and agricultural runoff processing. The system demonstrated its effectiveness during the 1710 AN flood season, preventing an estimated NAX€ 2.3 billion in potential flood damage while maintaining water quality standards throughout the event.

The third and final phase of the AT&RP, completed in 1712 AN, dramatically expanded the Central Water System with new water processing and reclamation facilities connecting the Nouradin Hydroproject throughout West Baatharz and Southern Alduria. This expansion included 283 miles of main distribution tunnels, 14 regional water treatment facilities, 37 local distribution hubs, and the Central Control Complex in Corrada del Rio.

Technical specifications

Dam and reservoir

As of 1743 AN, the Nouradin Dam's technical specifications include:

• Height: 185 meters
• Length: a. 2,335 meters (crest length)
• Volume: 16.4 million cubic meters (concrete structure)
• Reservoir capacity: 162 billion cubic meters
• Surface area: 1,084 square kilometers
• Maximum depth: 175 meters
• Catchment area: 417,000 square kilometers

Power generation

The power generation complex consists of:

• 38 main turbines (32 original + 6 NIRP additions);
• 2 facility power generators (50 MW each);
• Total capacity: 28,500 MW;
• Annual generation: 115±22 TWh;
• Transmission: Eight 750 kV and twelve 500 kV transmission lines connecting to the Regional Grid.

Water processing facilities

The water processing component includes:

• 14 primary treatment facilities;
• 23 specialized contaminant removal plants;
• Daily capacity: 2.8 billion gallons;
• Purification standards: Exceeds Federal Water Quality Standard 1720-A for all parameters;
• Distribution network: 864 miles of primary tunnels and channels.

Economic and social impact

Economic contributions

The Nouradin Hydroproject has become central to Alduria's economy, providing:

• Direct employment for 4,680 permanent staff;
• Estimated 37,500 indirect jobs in related sectors;
• NAX€ 8.7 billion annual contribution to regional GDP (1743 AN assessment);
• Irrigation water supporting approximately 23% of Alduria's agricultural production;
• Annual flood damage prevention valued at NAX€ 1.9-4.2 billion depending on precipitation patterns;
• Energy cost stability with production costs 42% below the regional average for other generating sources.

See also

• Nouradin River
• Central Water Commission
• National Infrastructure Renewal Program
• Corrada del Rio
• Alduria
• Water supply and sanitation in Alduria