France’s Eiffage has announced it is expanding its hydropower portfolio by building a new micro hydropower plant in Terrasson-Lavilledieu, 

The new plant will be Eiffage’s 11th micro hydropower plant, following its acquisition of 10 other projects over the last two years. It is being built by Eiffage Énergie Systèmes and Eiffage Génie Civil teams on the Vézère river, and will be carried out in two stages, starting with the reinforcement and raising of the existing dam. This will be followed by the construction of a 499kW micro power station, currently in the design phase.

Eiffage Génie Civil's teams will manage the earthworks, factory building construction and modifications to the dam, while Eiffage Énergie Systèmes’ teams have been entrusted with designing, manufacturing and installing the hydromechanical, electrical and gates and valves equipment. Environmental factors will also be incorporated including construction of a fish-friendly water intake, downstream channel and fish pass.

This new facility will enable the production of around 3,300MWh of green electricity per year, covering the annual consumption of more than 700 households in Terrasson-Lavilledieu.