The project will transform the existing hydropower cascade on the Ain River into a three-basin system linking the Coiselet, Saut-Mortier, and Vouglans reservoirs. During periods of low electricity demand, water will be pumped upstream for storage and then released through the pump turbine to generate electricity during periods of peak demand, providing rapid renewable power and enhancing grid stability.
With the addition of the new pump turbine, the total output of Vouglans/Saut-Mortier will increase by around 80 to 85 MW, while energy storage capacity will expand from 50 GWh to 250 GWh. The project enables better use of the existing infrastructure and significantly increases the usable water volume, taking ecological and territorial requirements into account.
ANDRITZ will supply the 17-MW variable-speed pump turbine, including design, manufacturing, assembly, commissioning, and the turbine governor. Consortium partner Ingeteam will supply the motor generator and full power converter enabling variable-speed operation. Project execution is planned from 2026 to 2031.
