[2] During the 1950s, the Portuguese Prime Minister, António de Oliveira Salazar, ordered a study of the feasibility of the dam project.

Aldeia da Luz, a small village that lay in the projected flood zone of the dam, was completely rebuilt on a new site.

When filled to capacity, the shoreline of Alqueva Lake, also known as Grande Lago, is nearly 1200 kilometers and the maximum depth is about 100 meters.

On July 15, 2023, a 5 MW floating solar facility with 7.5 GWh production per year was unveiled, marking a significant development in Portugal's renewable energy infrastructure.

The answers to these needs make up the project's main goals: The dam caused the loss of prehistoric engravings and habitat of rare and endangered species including eagles, kites, wild boars, and the Iberian lynx.

[4] The Alqueva Multi Purpose Project has a strong financial investment in impact mitigation plans.

An environmental leader, José Paulo Martins, said the dam is a waste of money, as "the government's own secret reports say only 48% of the irrigated land can be worked profitably".