Overview
Saint-Laurent-en-Beaumon is a 2.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in France. It contributes to the country's renewable energy mix, supporting grid stability and low-carbon electricity generation.
Saint-Laurent-en-Beaumon is a hydroelectric power plant located in France, with a capacity of 2.2 MW. As a small-scale facility, it plays a role in the local energy landscape, harnessing water flow to generate electricity. The plant is operational and contributes to France's diversified power generation portfolio. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the European Union, including the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and relevant Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for energy production. Hydroelectric plants in France are subject to water use and environmental impact assessments, ensuring sustainable operation. The plant's small capacity suggests it may be a run-of-river or small dam installation, typical for mountainous regions. Environmentally, hydroelectric power is a low-carbon energy source, but its local impact includes alterations to water flow and aquatic ecosystems. The plant's location in the French Alps (coordinates 44.8849, 5.8450) indicates a region with significant hydropower potential. Its operation supports France's goals for renewable energy integration and grid reliability.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic habitats and water flow regimes. The plant's small capacity (2.2 MW) minimizes large-scale ecological disruption, though it still requires careful management of water resources. In the Alpine region, seasonal snowmelt and rainfall patterns influence generation, and facilities must balance power output with environmental flow requirements.
Frequently asked questions
The Saint-Laurent-en-Beaumon hydroelectric plant is located in France, at coordinates 44.8849 N, 5.8450 E, in the Alpine region.
The Saint-Laurent-en-Beaumon hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 2.2 MW, making it a small-scale facility.
Hydroelectric plants convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity using turbines. The water flow drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electrical power.
Hydroelectric plants in France must comply with EU directives such as the Industrial Emissions Directive and national water laws, including environmental impact assessments and water use permits.
Small hydroelectric plants contribute to decentralized renewable energy generation, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, in line with France's energy transition goals.