Voith has been contracted as complete supplier for the 8.6MW Vallabrègues small hydropower in France, continuing its cooperation with energy company Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR). 

The total project duration is approximately four years, with connection to the power grid scheduled for mid-2024. The decisive factor for the renewed cooperation was, among other factors, the very good partnership for the 6.6 MW Le Pouzin small hydropower plant, which was commissioned in 2017, said Voith.

The new small hydropower plant will be located near the city of Avignon on the Rhone River and will be equipped with advanced electrotechnical equipment. Voith Hydro in Spain will be the complete supplier responsible for the entire project execution, including the design and supply of the vertical Kaplan turbine as well as the electrical and hydromechanical equipment.

Despite the strict travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the complete contract negotiations were successfully conducted digitally. This approach will continue to be important during the construction work already underway to achieve the goals set together with the customer.

The new Vallabrègues small hydropower plant will have a positive impact on French renewable electricity generation. Copyright: CNR