Hydroelectricity and renewable energies
We’re in the film “Après-Demain” by Laure Noualhat and Cyril Dion. 1/4 of a second but… here we are 🙂
Thanks to our little power station and our new partner “Énergie partagée”
This micro-power station was built at the end of the 19th century to supply energy to a sawmill and then to textile factories in Gange. Our small hydroelectric power station, with a capacity of 320kW, now distributes this fantastic renewable electricity on the national grid. It more than covers the needs of the campsite, the equivalent of 200/250 homes. Its 1km-long canal runs alongside the campsite, much to the delight of sports enthusiasts and walkers alike
Saint-Julien hydroelectric power station
Isis campsite in the Cevennes
Equipped with four turbines driving alternators (3 x 175A and 1 x 40A at 380V), it produces 600,000 to 1 million kwh per year, delivered after transformation into “medium voltage” (20,000V)
Since 2015
Its administrative authorisation has been renewed for 20 years, and a new partner has come on board: the “Énergie Partagée” movement
On these occasions and with the help of the “Agence de l’Eau”, major work has been carried out to improve its impact on the river: increased “reserved” flow, from 100 to 900 litres/second, an “eel pass” (to help the most awkward eels to swim upstream of the dam), a “downstream spout” to allow fish arriving in front of the turbine gates and wishing to continue their journey to swim downstream without damage, refinement of the gates, automatic gates to maintain a stable level in the reach, etc
Some of the electrical equipment has also been renewed: transformers, capacitors, connection cells and control cabinets… to automate the whole mess…
In all, nearly 500,000 euros will have been reinvested in this electricity production tool, which is among the most environmentally-friendly available
In 2016
The “Énergie Partagée” partnership enabled everyone to participate in this venture
This new partnership now allows you to invest, if you wish, in the power plant and thus participate in the energy transition 🙂
It’s a way of giving meaning to your savings and taking direct action to promote a different kind of energy
This power station is also a great educational tool for children and adults on the subject of energy: Where does it come from? How is it produced? What does it mean? For nature, for society, for all of us…
As part of our camping activities with holidaymakers, we organise events to raise awareness of hydroelectricity, and we also organise meetings on renewable energies
There are many small hydroelectric power stations in France (over 2000) that have been abandoned. This lack of interest in run-of-river hydropower stems from our decision to centralise energy: big nuclear reactors, big dams, etc., with no regard for safety, ecological continuity or public participation
It’s up to US to give it back its meaning and value!
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Europe’s priority
RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND PROVEN TECHNIQUES
In France, the power of water has been generating electricity for over 100 years. Since the invention of the hydraulic turbine, hydroelectric technology has been constantly improved and modernised. The experience we have acquired in civil engineering (dams, diversion bays and buildings), equipment (turbines and alternators) and constant technical innovation have enabled us to create sustainable, efficient, high-performance facilities that respect the environment
DECENTRALISED PRODUCTION THROUGHOUT FRANCE
France’s 2,000 or so privately-owned power stations produce more than 5 billion kWh a year. Hydropower accounts for almost 1/5th of the electricity produced worldwide, making it the leading source of renewable energy
A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Clean air through the power of water, electricity through hydropower
- No pollution (no sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ash or particles)
- Without creating a greenhouse effect (no carbon dioxide emissions)
- Without depleting the planet’s natural fossil resources (gas, coal, oil)
- Does not consume water
Hydroelectric power is a continuously renewable source of electrical energy. Small hydroelectric power stations do not alter water quality, resources or regimes. Hydroelectric power is economically very competitive, with zero fuel costs and low operating costs. Hydroelectric power stations have a long service life. Many of them have been in operation for more than half a century and are still working efficiently
RENEWABLE ENERGIES VERSUS FOSSIL FUELS
An energy source is said to be renewable if using it does not limit its future use. Given current consumption levels, the world’s proven reserves of fossil fuels are estimated at
- 228 years of coal
- 66 years of natural gas
- 60 years of uranium
- – 45 years of oil
For the sun and its derivatives, the wind and the water cycle, estimates are around 6 billion years
Solar energy: daylight is converted into electricity. This energy, captured by the earth in one hour, would be enough to cover the planet’s entire energy needs for a year! (To cover a family’s energy needs, 20 to 30 m² of south-facing roof area is enough)
What needs to be developed to protect the planet?
At the same time, renewable energies are a response to a sound spatial planning and sustainable development policy
- They contribute to security of supply and energy independence
- They are spread throughout the country, and avoid the need for very high voltage power lines
- They involve major investment that can only be sustained over the long term
- They are particularly job-creating
RENEWABLE ENERGY VERSUS NUCLEAR ENERGY
France has particularly safe nuclear facilities. But what is to be done with the waste over its 20,000 (twenty thousand) year lifespan? Where, how and at what cost should it be stored and disposed of? What is the cost of the inevitable dismantling of nuclear facilities?
Textual source: The Federation of Independent Electricity Producers AEF of which we are partners