Yaté Dam
New Caledonia
Yaté Dam is a prominent hydroelectric arch dam located on the Yaté River in the Yaté commune of New Caledonia, France. Completed in 1959, it stands as the tallest dam in New Caledonia and forms the largest reservoir on the island, the artificial Lake Yaté, covering 40 square kilometers. The dam's complex structure includes an arch dam section 60 meters high and 200 meters long, a concrete gravity section acting as a spillway, and an earthen and rock-fill embankment. Water is conveyed through 2,600-meter penstocks to a downstream power station equipped with four 17 MW Francis turbines, generating an average annual output of approximately 307 GWh. The dam plays a crucial role in supplying around one-third of the territory's electricity, including powering the SLN-Eramet industrial plant. Its construction was spearheaded by the New Caledonian Society Energy (ENERCAL) from the mid-1950s, with inauguration by the Minister of State in 1959. Beyond its energy production, the dam and its lake are significant landmarks offering recreational opportunities such as trail races and scenic views, reflecting the integration of infrastructure with the natural environment in New Caledonia.
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Tip: Visitors should consider exploring the dam during the dry season for clearer views and safer trail conditions. While access to the dam structure itself may be restricted, the surrounding area offers hiking and local events such as the annual 'Gigawatt d’Enercal' trail race. It is advisable to check with local authorities or ENERCAL for any visitor guidelines or special event schedules. Planning ahead and securing any necessary permissions or guided tours will enhance the visit. Discounts or special rates may be available for groups or during organized events.
Interesting facts
- •Yaté Dam is the tallest dam in New Caledonia and creates the largest reservoir on the island, Lake Yaté, spanning 40 km².
- •The dam supports a hydroelectric power station with four Francis turbines producing a combined capacity of 68 MW and an average annual output of about 307 GWh.
- •The dam's spillway system can handle floodwaters up to 5,280 cubic meters per second, with the estimated one-thousand-year flood at 6,000 cubic meters per second.
- •The annual 'Gigawatt d’Enercal' trail race starts at the dam, featuring routes of 10, 20, or 30 km on rugged terrain.
- •The dam supplies roughly 20-33% of New Caledonia's electricity, including power to the SLN-Eramet industrial plant at Doniambo.
History
The Yaté Dam project began in the early 1950s with planning by Coyne et Bellier and the establishment of ENERCAL in 1955 to oversee construction.
Work commenced the same year, employing numerous workers recruited by Société Générale d'Entreprise.
The dam was completed and commissioned by 1958, with official inauguration in 1959 by Jacques Soustelle, then Minister of State for Overseas Departments.
Over the decades, the dam has remained a key infrastructure asset, supporting industrial growth and energy needs in New Caledonia.
Its design combines multiple dam types to accommodate the local geography and hydrological conditions, representing an engineering milestone for the region.
Place Guide
Arch Dam Section1950s
The central arch dam portion is 60 meters high and 200 meters long, designed to hold back the main reservoir water volume with structural efficiency.
Concrete Gravity Spillway1950s
Adjacent to the arch dam on the left side, the concrete gravity section is 61 meters tall and 100 meters long, serving as the main spillway with three floodgates.
Earthen and Rock-fill Embankment1950s
Extending 280 meters from the gravity section on the left bank, this embankment section provides additional containment and stability.
Power Station1958
Located downstream along the Yaté River, the power station houses four 17 MW Francis turbines generating electricity using a 157-meter hydraulic head.
