The Hongrin dams in the solar age

After around three months of work, Forces Motrices Hongrin-Léman (FMHL) and its shareholders Romande Energie (41.14%), Alpiq (39.29%), Groupe E (13.14%) and the City of Lausanne (6.43%) are commissioning this week a 312.5 kWp photovoltaic installation. The installation is expected to produce around 320,000 kWh per year, equivalent to the average annual consumption of around 70 households. Just over half of this production will be generated in winter, when Switzerland's energy needs are at their highest. According to Philippe Durr, Chairman of FMHL, "This installation fits perfectly into the strategy of Forces Motrices Hongrin-Léman. We are seizing the opportunity to increase our production of renewable energy. From an energy point of view, photovoltaic and hydroelectric energy complement each other perfectly.
The installation is made up of 720 photovoltaic modules installed on the crest of the two Hongrin dams. With a surface area of 1,410 m2, it is built entirely on existing infrastructure. It is connected to the existing grid on site and the electricity is injected into the Groupe E grid.

Continuous improvement in energy efficiency

The photovoltaic project on the Hongrin dams is part of an overall approach to energy efficiency. In 2023, for example, FMHL equipped the four generating units at the Veytaux I power station with new Pelton turbines that are 2% more efficient. They generate an additional 5,000,000 kWh of electricity per year - equivalent to the production of one wind power plant.
On the other hand, FMHL is seeking to reduce its own energy consumption. Efficiency measures for lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and heating have reduced the consumption of FMHL's internal services by 150,000 kWh per year. There are also plans to install a heat pump and photovoltaic panels on the roof of the administrative building in Veytaux.

More information about the Forces Motrices Hongrin-Léman: www.fmhl.ch