Siahbisheh Dam

Siahbisheh Dam, one of the most advanced hydraulic engineering projects in Iran, lies deep in the Alborz mountain range along the Chalus Road. It is Iran's first pumped-storage power plant, built to generate electricity during peak-demand hours and reduce the load on the national grid. The project consists of two dams, an upper and a lower, built with an elevation difference of about 500 metres. The upper dam stands at 2,407 metres and the lower dam at 1,911 metres above sea level. Both are concrete-faced rockfill dams (CFRD), a symbol of modern engineering in Iran. The power plant was officially inaugurated in 1394 (2015) and has a generating capacity of 1,040 megawatts.

Functionally, Siahbisheh Dam plays a key role in efficient energy management. During the hours of the day when electricity consumption drops, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper one. During peak-demand hours, water is released back down to the lower reservoir through the turbines, generating electricity. This system not only helps balance the country's power grid but also offers a new model for the smart use of natural resources to produce clean energy. In addition, the dam's location in a mountainous, steep area created particular and complex technical conditions for its design and construction, which has given the Siahbisheh project a special standing among similar projects in the region.

The natural attractions around Siahbisheh Dam make it a pleasant destination for nature lovers and travellers. Mountain views, the calm lakes behind the dams, frequent mist, and the proximity of attractions such as Harijan Waterfall, Kamjal Valley and the lush Hyrcanian forests create an exceptional setting for photography, mountaineering, picnics and relaxing in nature. Especially in spring and summer, with its pleasant climate and pristine scenery, the area is considered one of the most beautiful mountain regions in the country. Beyond being a construction project, Siahbisheh Dam is a brilliant example of sustainable development, advanced technology and the most unspoiled aspects of Iran's nature coming together.