Hydropower is the most important renewable energy source and the cornerstone of Swiss electricity production. It is at the heart of Alpiq's activities. Thanks to hydropower, we produce CO2-free electricity reliably and flexibly. We have been using this energy source for over a century with our run-of-river, storage and pumped storage power plants.
Our storage power plants make it possible to store large amounts of energy and to generate electricity precisely when we need it. They produce what is known as peak and balancing energy, which is essential to meet electricity demand at all times.
In view of the increasing use of renewable energies with irregular production, such as wind power and photovoltaics, pumped storage power plants make it possible to compensate for fluctuations in the power grid at any time and maintain the balance between electricity generation and consumption. They thus play an important role in stabilising the power grid and contribute to a secure electricity supply in Switzerland.
Our run-of-river power plants are mainly located along the Aare in Switzerland. They continuously produce electricity from the flow of the river. We pay particular attention to how their operation affects the river's ecosystem. With our eco-fund, we finance projects that promote biodiversity along the Aare and have already successfully implemented over 300 measures.
We operate around 30 small hydropower plants in Switzerland and its neighboring countries. Integrated into the local economy and respectful of regional ecosystems, they contribute to the production of renewable and domestic electricity.
To help secure Switzerland's electricity supply, particularly in winter, Alpiq is participating in five projects of the Swiss government's ‘Round Table Hydropower’. These involve the construction of new dams or the raising of existing facilities. We also regularly invest in the maintenance of our existing facilities to keep them up to date with the latest technology.
The Gornerli project
The Winznau weir on the Aare river near Olten, Switzerland, requires refurbishment in order to comply with guidelines and regulations relating to discharge capacity and seismic safety. Between 2025 and 2031, Alpiq Hydro Aare AG will implement the renovation.
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The Navaleo pumped storage hydropower project in Ponferrada, Castilla y León, Spain, is one of the country’s most advanced long duration energy storage developments. The project will deliver 535 MW of flexible capacity and more than eight hours of storage, strengthening Spain’s grid stability and supporting the integration of solar and wind energy.
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