Hydropower plant operators constantly maintain and improve their facilities in order to optimise the use of natural resources.
Measures put in place
They work closely with authorities, local residents and environmental organisations to minimise the environmental impacts of their operations and infrastructure, particularly on waterways and their ecosystems. The measures put in place include undertaking compensation measures (e.g. revitalisation of natural environments), the maintenance of residual flows and the installation of fish passes.
In addition, hydropower infrastructures are needed to meet an increasing number of different uses. Dams not only allow water to be stored for producing electricity; they also allow energy to meet the evolving needs arising from climate change. For example, dams have a role to play in managing drinking water, holding back flood waters, supplying water in the event of droughts, for irrigation, or as a tourist attraction.
Electricité d’Emosson SA is committed to minimising its environmental footprint. This is demonstrated through:
- Compliance with legal requirements : sanitation and renaturation of waterways, endowment flows.
- Inspection and monitoring of construction sites.
- Ensuring operational activities limit ecological damage to waterways as much as possible (time of year, duration of the event, addition of clear water, flow control, etc.)
- Collaboration with local stakeholders and cantonal services in order to achieve optimal operational solutions.
- The communication of our values and the promotion of our green and sustainable energy.
- An environmental action plan aimed at operating our facility in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
Emosson SA - environmentally-friendly production