porce

Porce refers primarily to a river system in northwestern Colombia, and to hydroelectric infrastructure built on it. The Porce River flows through parts of the Antioquia and Córdoba departments, draining toward the Caribbean region. The river's source lies in the highland terrain of the Colombian Andes, and it proceeds generally northward, shaping valleys that support small towns, agriculture, and biodiversity. Many upstream communities rely on the river for irrigation, drinking water, and fisheries.

In the 20th century, Porce became the site of major hydroelectric development. A major dam on the river creates a reservoir that powers a hydroelectric facility and contributes to Colombia's energy supply. The project has supported regional development but has also prompted environmental and social changes, including altered river flows, sedimentation, and impacts on local habitats and communities.

The name Porce is a local toponym with uncertain origin, used for the river itself as well as for nearby geographic features and infrastructure. The term appears in regional maps, government documents, and energy projects associated with the river.

References to Porce are most common in discussions of Colombia's hydroelectric sector and Caribbean drainage systems. See also: Hydroelectric power in Colombia; Río Porce.