Hydropower

Our hydroelectric plants, integrated into the Alpine landscape, transform the power of water into renewable energy. Through advanced technology and environmental respect, we contribute to the energy transition of the Aosta Valley and to the enhancement of its natural resources.

Hydroelectric Plant Maen

The run-of-river hydropower plant, located along the Marmore stream in the municipality of Valtournenche in the Aosta Valley, entered operation in 2015. Designed to exploit a net head of 13.2 meters, it is equipped with a tubular Kaplan turbine with a horizontal bi-regulating axis and an installed capacity of 910 kW.

The penstock, 350 meters long, is made of fiberglass with a variable diameter ranging from 2,200 mm to 2,000 mm, a technical solution that ensures lightness, strength, and durability. The powerhouse is completely underground in order to minimize visual impact, while the intake structure is equipped with a modulating flap gate for optimal flow management.

The plant is also indirectly supplied by the Cignana dam, which guarantees constant water regulation. The overall configuration meets criteria of efficiency and sustainability, ensuring continuous energy production and harmonious integration into the Alpine landscape.

Hydroelectric Plant Fortchat

The Fortchat hydroelectric plant is located in the municipality of Valgrisenche, in the Aosta Valley, within an area of high natural value. Completed in 2018, it was designed to efficiently exploit a net head of 444 meters, with a total installed capacity of 3.069 kW.

The generation system consists of two horizontal-axis Pelton units with two jets, installed inside a fully underground powerhouse. This architectural solution significantly reduces visual impact while ensuring seamless integration into the mountainous landscape.

The penstock, made of cast iron and 1,650 meters long, crosses morphologically complex terrain. The intake structure, of the “Coandă” type, located at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters, diverts water without the need for visually invasive structures.

The Fortchat plant represents a virtuous example of medium-power hydropower, combining high technical performance with a respectful approach to high-mountain landscapes.

Hydroelectric Plant Arvier

The run-of-river hydroelectric plant on the Dora di Valgrisenche, located in the municipality of Arvier, entered operation in 2019.

It is one of the most significant projects developed in the Aosta Valley in recent years in terms of size and capacity, with 9,520 kW installed and a net head of 317 meters. The generation system consists of two vertical-axis Pelton units with four jets.

The penstock, 1,400 meters long and made of DN 1100 steel, follows a demanding alignment, crossing steep slopes and rocky sections. The energy produced in the powerhouse is transformed to High Voltage at 132 kV.

The powerhouse was built using a prefabricated structure designed for functional efficiency and rapid construction. The intake works include a loading basin with a special cavern desander, developed in collaboration with the Zurich Polytechnic, and unique of its kind.

The headrace tunnel, with a diameter of 3.6 meters and a length of 1,600 meters, was excavated using mechanized TBM methods. Upon completion of the works, the delivery cable duct extends for 5 kilometers, ensuring connection to the national high-voltage grid.

The Arvier plant is the result of advanced integration between civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering, with particular attention to safety and landscape compatibility.

Hydroelectric Plant Piccolo San Bernardo Cableway

The hydroelectric plant built within the La Thuile ski area was completed in 2016, making use of existing infrastructure from the programmed snowmaking network.

It is a run-of-river plant with a net head of 787 meters and a total installed capacity of 1,000 kW.

The configuration includes two horizontal-axis Pelton generating units with two jets. The 3,500-meter-long penstock, originally installed for snowmaking purposes, was reused without the need for invasive interventions.

The infrastructure is completed by an intake structure equipped with a derived-flow monitoring system and a 120,000 m³ storage basin, allowing optimized operation even under variable climatic conditions.

The final and executive design was developed to ensure maximum energy efficiency while enhancing existing snowmaking infrastructure.

Hydroelectric Plant Brusson

Located in the municipality of Brusson, along the Graines stream, the run-of-river hydroelectric plant was designed to produce energy while respecting the surrounding territory. Built in 2012, the plant exploits a net head of 125 meters and is equipped with a vertical-axis Pelton generating unit with four jets, for a total installed capacity of 950 kW.

The steel penstock, DN 700 mm and approximately one kilometer long, was installed along a steep slope, addressing significant logistical and geotechnical challenges.

One of the distinctive elements of the plant is the intake basin—a true small lake—designed to integrate harmoniously into the natural context and used by local users for fishing as well as by tourists during the summer season.

The plant represents a balance between energy efficiency and environmental protection, contributing discreetly yet concretely to sustainable energy production in the Aosta Valley.

Hydroelectric Plant Saint Barth Basso

The Saint Barth Basso hydroelectric plant, located in the municipality of Nus near Aosta along the Saint Barthélemy stream, entered operation in 2022.

It is a small plant designed for renewable energy production, making use of part of the existing irrigation infrastructure and diverting water during periods when it is not used for agricultural purposes. The plant exploits a net head of 172 meters and has a total installed capacity of 540 kW.

The powerhouse is equipped with a horizontal-axis Pelton turbine with two jets, supplied by a 650-meter-long steel penstock with a diameter of 700 mm.

The structure is completed by a loading basin with a labyrinth desander and a “Coandă” intake structure, designed to ensure high hydraulic efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

The configuration was carefully studied through three-dimensional models and technical sections, ensuring harmonious integration into the territory and safe management of diverted flows.

Hydroelectric Plant Saint Barth Alto

The Saint Barth Alto hydroelectric plant is located in the municipality of Nus in the Aosta Valley, along the Saint Barthélemy stream. Entering operation in 2025, it exploits a net head of 159 meters and has a total installed capacity of 1,354 kW.

The plant is equipped with a vertical-axis Pelton turbine with four jets, supplied by a fully underground DN800 steel penstock with a length of 1,622 meters.

The structure is completed by a loading basin with a labyrinth desander and a “Coandă” intake structure, designed to ensure high hydraulic efficiency and low environmental impact.

The compact and functional powerhouse features an innovative underground structure, completely invisible from the adjacent regional road. The plant also supplies three wallboxes for electric vehicle charging.

The construction of the plant integrated works for the local land improvement consortium, ensuring continuity of water supply and dedicated pipelines for local agricultural users.

Hydroelectric Plant Cervino Cableway

The design of the Funivie Cervino hydroelectric plant is located in the municipality of Valtournenche and originates from the idea of enhancing existing infrastructure used for programmed snowmaking in the Cervinia ski resort.

Designed to exploit a net head of 550 meters and develop a total installed capacity of 670 kW, the system features a horizontal-axis Pelton turbine with two jets, supplied by a DN300 cast-iron penstock with a length of 2,500 meters.

The project includes the construction of a powerhouse and a modern ticket office integrated into the structure, designed to meet criteria of functional efficiency, architectural quality, and harmony with the tourist context.

Plans and elevations describe a modern, compact structure that combines energy production with services for users of the ski area.

The plant is a concrete example of intelligent reuse of Alpine infrastructure, where clean energy is coherently integrated into an already consolidated tourist and environmental ecosystem.