GRANDE DIXENCE AND HYDRAULIC POWER

The energy produced by the Grande Dixence hydroelectric complex contributes to the electricity supply of 17 cantons and represents a fifth of the storable energy produced in Switzerland.

In 2010, the additional installation at Cleuson-Dixence will be brought back into service, significantly increasing the generating capacity of the Grande Dixence complex, which will rise from 800 to 2000 MW. The same volume of water will pass through the turbines in half to a third of the time!

Super-peak energy

The Grande Dixence and Cleuson-Dixence installations will jointly enable super-peak energy to be produced. In just a few minutes, it will be possible to inject an amount of power equal to that produced by a large nuclear power station into the extra-high voltage network. This is a unique and valuable alternative which will compensate for certain weaknesses or lack of capacity in other generating means.

Switzerland will be able to use these installations as an advantage with which to reinforce its position relative to other countries.