France’s President Emmanuel Macron has expressed clear support for the expansion of the Ospitalet hydroelectric power plant during an official visit to Andorra, underlining its role in energy transition and bilateral cooperation.
The visit to the facility, operated by FEDA, was the only economic stop in Macron’s two-day programme in the Principality. He was accompanied by the Head of Government and President of FEDA, Xavier Espot, and was received by FEDA’s director general, Sílvia Calvó.
Macron focused on the joint hydropower project involving FEDA, EDF and the Agence de l’Eau Adour-Garonne. He said the initiative “is part of energy sovereignty, in the transition, by reducing CO₂ emissions and giving competitiveness to companies and purchasing power to households”.
He also confirmed support from both France and Andorra for advancing the project. Macron added that “it is a magnificent example of a very relevant partnership on both sides of the border. And it is also a good way to show that we are at a good moment” in bilateral relations.
During the visit, Calvó outlined the importance of hydropower within Andorra’s energy mix. Despite recent increases in domestic generation, around 75% of electricity is still imported, roughly half from France.
She noted that in winter, national production meets only about 10% of demand, reinforcing the case for the Ospitalet expansion to improve seasonal supply.
The project aims to generate electricity using surplus water from Lake Lanós, enabling FEDA to increase production during winter months. It would also improve water management by reserving flows to support the Garonne river during summer.
The event was attended by the chairman and CEO of EDF, Bernard Fontana, alongside regional officials including Pierre-André Durand, Hervé Brabant and Arnaud Diaz.
Speakers highlighted longstanding energy cooperation between Andorra and France, including a power purchase agreement that helped stabilise electricity costs during the European energy crisis, as well as joint work on heating networks and hydropower maintenance.
