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Hydropower

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.

Illustraton of a large dam

An environmentally friendly production portfolio

Our portfolio of hydropower plants is characterised by its high flexibility, its technological and geographical diversification, and its environmental friendliness. Thanks to their cutting-edge technology, our power plants are an outstanding example of the history of Swiss engineering. We are constantly optimising them to use water resources as efficiently as possible.

 

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Go behind the scenes of hydroelectric production!

Lake des dix Grande-Dixence
Hydropower

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.

Both dam of Emosson
Hydropower

Pumped storage power plants

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.

Run-of-river power plants
Hydropower

Run-of-river power plants

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.

Small hydropower plants
Hydropower

Small hydropower plants

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.

Hydropower projects Gornerli
Hydropower

Hydropower projects

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

Modernisation of the Winznau weir

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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All about hydropower

Security of supply
09/29/2025
“Gornerli will significantly boost Switzerland’s security of supply”

The Round Table identified 16 hydropower projects expected to increase seasonal production by around 2 TWh.

Security of supply
09/18/2025
Half a century of Franco-Swiss hydroelectric ingenuity

Today, Electricité d’Emosson SA celebrates 50 years since entry into service of its hydroelectric complex located in both Switzerland and France.

News
07/30/2025
“The dams in Valais are a playground for cyclists”

As president of Valais 2025, former professional cyclist Steve Morabito is strongly committed to the 2025 Mountain Bike World Championships.

Security of supply
06/17/2025
Invaluable hydropower facilities against natural hazards

Hydropower infrastructure is not limited to power generation. It also plays a crucial role in protecting against floods, landslides, and inundations.

Better climate
06/04/2025
How the new fish ladder in Flumenthal improves fish migration

A new fish ladder in Flumenthal – it enables fish to swim safely around the power plant and creates new biotopes.

Media release
05/26/2025
Mottec hydropower plant optimised for a sustainable energy future

Sion – Today, Forces Motrices de la Gougra SA is officially opening the revamped Mottec power plant, marking the completion of an overhaul project...

Media release
05/21/2025
Alpiq Flumenthal hydropower plant: new fish ladder for fish pass opened

Flumenthal – Alpiq Hydro Aare AG has replaced the fish ladder of the Flumenthal power plant in the canton of Solothurn with a near-natural bypass ...