Overview
Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne is a 1.348 MW hydroelectric power plant in France. It operates as a run-of-river facility, contributing to the region's renewable energy grid.
Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne is a hydroelectric power plant located in the Maurienne valley of the French Alps. With a capacity of 1.348 MW, it is a small-scale facility typical of the many run-of-river hydro plants that harness the region's abundant water resources. The plant is operational and plays a role in the local energy mix. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive and France's national energy policies, which promote renewable energy sources. Hydroelectric power in France is well-established, with plants like this one benefiting from the country's mountainous terrain and high precipitation. The technology used is conventional hydroelectric generation, likely utilizing a turbine driven by the flow of the Arc River or its tributaries. Environmentally, the plant provides low-carbon electricity without direct emissions, supporting France's goal of reducing greenhouse gases. Its small size minimizes ecological disruption, though hydroelectric facilities can affect local aquatic habitats. The plant contributes to the stability of the local grid and serves the community of Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne and surrounding areas.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric generation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, making it a clean energy source. Its small capacity (1.348 MW) limits the scale of potential environmental impacts, such as altered water flow or fish migration, compared to larger dams. Located in the Alpine region, the plant operates in an area with high biodiversity, but its run-of-river design typically reduces ecological disruption. The facility supports France's renewable energy targets and contributes to local energy independence.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in the Maurienne valley of the French Alps, near the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne in the Savoie department.
The plant has a capacity of 1.348 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
It is a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, which uses the natural flow of water without significant storage, typical for small-scale installations in mountainous regions.
Hydroelectric plants in France must comply with EU directives such as the Industrial Emissions Directive and national laws on water management and renewable energy. They require permits for water use and environmental impact assessments.
As a renewable energy source, the plant helps France reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet EU targets for clean energy. Its small-scale hydro generation adds to the country's diverse energy mix.