Overview
Fuhren (Gental) Innertkirchen is a 10.3 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Switzerland. It is operational and contributes to the country's renewable energy portfolio.
Fuhren (Gental) Innertkirchen is a hydroelectric power plant situated in the mountainous region of Innertkirchen, Switzerland. With a capacity of 10.3 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the Swiss hydropower sector, which is a cornerstone of the nation's electricity generation. Switzerland's hydropower plants operate under strict environmental regulations, including the Swiss Federal Act on the Protection of Waters and the Energy Act, which promote sustainable water use and renewable energy. The plant uses run-of-river or storage technology typical of alpine hydroelectric projects, leveraging the region's steep gradients and abundant water flow. The facility supports Switzerland's goal of a low-carbon energy system by providing clean, renewable electricity. Its location in the Bernese Alps underscores the integration of hydropower with the natural landscape, balancing energy production with ecological stewardship.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric operation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, aligning with Switzerland's clean energy targets. However, its location in an alpine region may affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's small capacity minimizes landscape disruption compared to larger dams, but careful management of water releases is necessary to maintain downstream habitat integrity.
Frequently asked questions
Fuhren (Gental) Innertkirchen is located in the municipality of Innertkirchen, in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland.
The hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 10.3 megawatts (MW).
It is a hydroelectric power plant, using water flow to generate electricity.
Swiss hydroelectric plants must comply with the Federal Act on the Protection of Waters and the Energy Act, which ensure sustainable water use and promote renewable energy.
As a renewable hydroelectric facility, it supports Switzerland's transition to a low-carbon energy system by providing clean electricity without direct emissions.