The Impact of a Hydroelectric Power Plant on a Regional Climate in Portugal

This paper summarizes the results from microclimatic monitoring of impacts related to construction and exploration phase a hydroelectric powerplant in upper Douro River (Portugal). Reference climatic elements for both periods were obtained reservoir water mass on region’s microclimate evaluated. For this purpose, Sen’s slope estimate non-parametric test was used detect meteorological variables’ trends over 10 years, considering division into (2011–2015) (2016–2020) phases. A network stations located close dam, addition control station relatively distant collect data. The is still integrated same regional context but not exposed direct influence resulting reservoirs. As result, temporal differences determined temperature relative humidity. show statistically significant increase minimum humidity, accompanied by decrease daily seasonal amplitudes between periods. These outcomes thereby suggest that large reservoirs affect local climate may create new microclimates, surrounding area, with positive negative potential effects.