Overview
Grimsel 2 is a 348 MW hydroelectric power plant located in the Swiss Alps. It is an operational facility contributing to Switzerland's renewable energy generation.
Grimsel 2 is a hydroelectric power plant situated in the Swiss Alps, near the Grimsel Pass. With a capacity of 348 MW, it is a significant facility within Switzerland's hydropower infrastructure, which accounts for a large share of the country's electricity production. The plant operates using pumped-storage technology, allowing it to store energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir during low demand and generating electricity during peak demand. This technology enhances grid stability and supports the integration of intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind. As a key component of Switzerland's energy strategy, Grimsel 2 helps meet domestic electricity needs and provides ancillary services to the European grid. Its alpine location leverages natural water resources, contributing to low-carbon power generation and supporting the country's transition to a sustainable energy system.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The Grimsel 2 plant is located in a mountainous region with sensitive alpine habitats. Operations are regulated under Swiss environmental laws, which require measures to mitigate impacts on fish migration and sediment transport. The facility's pumped-storage mode also influences water levels in connected reservoirs, affecting local biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
Grimsel 2 is located in the Swiss Alps, near the Grimsel Pass in the canton of Bern, Switzerland.
Grimsel 2 is a hydroelectric power plant, specifically a pumped-storage facility that generates electricity by releasing water from an upper reservoir to a lower reservoir.
Grimsel 2 has a capacity of 348 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large hydroelectric plant in Switzerland.
Pumped-storage hydroelectricity works by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during periods of low electricity demand, then releasing it to generate power during peak demand. This provides grid stability and energy storage.
Hydroelectric plants in Switzerland must comply with the Swiss Federal Act on the Protection of Waters and the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage. These regulations address water flow, fish migration, and ecosystem impacts.