Experience the energy at the heart of the alps

The driving force of water has long played a special role in the world of electricity. Rapidly mobilised, the production of hydroelectric power plants represents a flexible, clean and renewable energy source. In this context, Grande Dixence SA is a leading supplier of power in Switzerland and Europe.

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The most powerful hydroelectric complexin Switzerland

From the energy of water
to energy of people.

The Grande Dixence scheme, the building project of the last century, to which every superlative applies, is a tremendous source of power. In its own way, it is also a monument to the glory of human ingenuity. This concrete temple enthroned in a mineral universe would never have been possible without the vision, intelligence, determination and courage of human beings.

Production

Storage lakes are a reserve of energy available on demand. While nuclear power plants and run-of-river hydroelectric power plants produce ribbon power, 24 hours a day, storage power plants make it possible to generate what is known as peak and regulating energy that is available as quickly as possible and can flexibly compensate for fluctuations in electricity demand. Particularly with the development of new renewable energies, such as solar and wind power, whose production is intermittent and random, and the gradual decentralisation of power generation to many smaller units, storage power plants help to provide the right amount of electricity around the clock.

Production

Collecting works

Bringing together waters from a catchment area of 420 km2, two-thirds of which is covered in glaciers, that is the task of the facility’s network collector. 100 kilometres of galleries, including a main tunnel which is 24 kilometres long, at an altitude of 2,400 metres, in the heart of the mountain, bring together the waters which run between the Mischabel, Matterhorn and Mont Gelé mountains. 35 glaciers therefore supply the facility’s raw material, via 75 water intakes and 5 pumping plants, on average around 500 million m3 of water every year.

Collecting works

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