EDF to begin work on 94MW hydropower plant in 2010
The company has a bid open for civil engineering work, and a compulsory public survey is being carried out to obtain permits. A tender is expected to be launched in late 2009 for the construction of a 9-kilometer penstock and a cave.
The plant, which EDF designed, will be equipped with two 47-MW vertical Francis hydraulic turbines. An equipment supplier will be selected by early 2010, when construction is projected to kick off.
The estimated $320 million project is expected to be complete 2013, replacing six smaller power stations in the area, representing about 80 MW, that will be dismantled in the coming years.
EDF operates the most powerful hydroelectric power stations in the country. Other companies in hydropower production in the region include Compagnie du Rhone of the Suez Group, which is in charge of the exploitation of the plants on the Rhone River. However, competition in the market is expected to grow, with an increased participation expected from the Suez Group and independent power producer Power in the next few years, after operations licenses are renewed and opened for new companies.
Hydroelectricity is the most developed renewable energy source in France, and the second source of power in the country after nuclear power, representing about 12% of the total electricity produced in the country.
Related News
Covid-19 crisis hits solar and wind energy industry
WASHINGTON - Swinerton Renewable Energy had everything it needed to build a promising new solar farm in Texas. It lined up more than 2,000 acres for the $109 million project estimated to generate 400 jobs while under construction. By its completion date, the solar farm was expected to produce 200 megawatts of energy — enough to power about 25,000 homes — and generate big tax breaks for its investors as part of a government program to incentivize clean energy.
But the coronavirus pandemic put everything on hold. The solar farm’s backers aren’t sure they will make enough money from other investments…
