Overview
Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny is a 6 MW hydroelectric power plant in France. It contributes to the country's renewable energy mix, supporting grid stability and low-carbon power generation.
Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny is a hydroelectric power plant located in the commune of Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny, France. With a capacity of 6 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the French hydroelectric sector, which is dominated by larger dams and run-of-river projects. The plant operates under France's regulatory framework, which aligns with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and promotes renewable energy through feed-in tariffs and grid access guarantees. The plant uses hydropower, a renewable and low-carbon energy source. Typical small hydro plants in the region use Francis or Kaplan turbines depending on site characteristics. The facility is operational and contributes to the local energy supply, likely feeding into the national grid managed by RTE. Environmentally, hydroelectric plants like Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny have a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through flow regulation and fish migration barriers. The plant's small scale and run-of-river design (if applicable) may mitigate some impacts. It supports France's goal of increasing renewable energy share and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the EU's 2030 climate targets.
Environmental context
The plant operates in the Arve River valley, an Alpine region with significant hydropower potential. Hydroelectric generation here has a low carbon footprint but can alter river flows and sediment transport. The facility's small capacity likely minimizes ecological disruption compared to large dams. Local environmental regulations under the EU Water Framework Directive require measures to protect aquatic habitats, such as fish passes and minimum flow requirements.
Frequently asked questions
The Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny hydroelectric plant is located in the commune of Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny, in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France.
The Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 6 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Hydroelectric plants generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into mechanical energy via a turbine, which then drives a generator. The water flow is controlled by dams or run-of-river structures.
Hydroelectric plants in France must comply with the EU Water Framework Directive, which mandates protection of aquatic ecosystems, and national laws requiring environmental impact assessments, fish passage measures, and minimum flow requirements to preserve river habitats.
Small hydro plants contribute to France's renewable energy portfolio, supporting grid stability and local energy needs. They benefit from feed-in tariffs and are part of the country's strategy to increase renewable capacity to 40% of electricity by 2030.