ABSTRACT
Storage hydropower from the Swiss Alps contributes considerably to the stability of the European electrical network and is key for the energy transition. Between 2010 and 2020, several research projects were carried out exploring the opportunities for the implementation of new reservoirs in regions of retreating glaciers as well as for the extension of existing reservoirs through dam heightening. The potential for additional electricity storage and production was estimated up to 3.9 TWh and 1.2 TWh/a, respectively.
Within the Energy Strategy 2050 and based on the above-mentioned research, a Round Table, gathering the main stakeholders identified 15 projects to increase the winter electricity production by 2 TWh. These projects have strong connections with existing hydropower schemes, and need to be further developed and refined to meet economic and environmental requirements.
After summarizing the potential studies, the present and future Swiss electricity landscape and the 15 projects of the Round Table, this paper presents a preliminary assessment of their technical risks and unit costs per kWh based on publicly available information. Then, two example projects developed by Alpiq, a main Swiss utility, and related operators are presented, namely the new multi-purpose reservoir at Gorner and the heightening of the Emosson dam.
