G4: Industry-specific disclosures
EU1: Installed capacity
An overview of the installed capacities per technology can be found in the Annual Review section of the Alpiq Holding Ltd. Annual Report 2020.
EU2: Net energy production
An overview of the net energy production per technology can be found in the Annual Review section of the Alpiq Holding Ltd. Annual Report 2020.
Renewable energy sources
Alpiq has a diverse international generation portfolio of renewable energy sources. To support the energy transition that is currently underway, Alpiq intends to continue developing its portfolio of renewable energy sources throughout Europe. Several associated initiatives have been launched in the past few years.
Development of wind power projects in Switzerland
Despite the complex environment for the development of wind energy in Switzerland, Alpiq is resolutely committed to this energy. It offers a specific solution for local energy supply, particularly in winter. The most advanced project is the Bel Coster wind farm, which is located on the ridge of Mt Le Suchet in the canton of Vaud. With its nine wind turbines, this plant will produce around 80 GWh of power per year. Other projects that are not yet as far advanced, also in the canton of Vaud, are currently in the analysis stage.
Construction of a wind farm in Sweden
Alpiq will also continue to develop its portfolio of new renewable energies at an international level. The erection of the Tormoseröd wind farm in south-west Sweden will start in 2021. The wind farm is expected to be operational in 2022. With eleven turbines, each rated at 6.6 MW of power, and a total installed capacity of 72.6 MW, this wind farm will be able to generate around 210 GWh of renewable energy each year. During the construction phase, Alpiq will be responsible for the project management activities and, during operation, for the technical and commercial asset management. Tormoseröd is an important project for Alpiq with regard to project development, financing model and risk management. The ‘asset light’ approach includes an important co-investment partner for projects in the area of renewable energies, where Alpiq undertakes the development of the plants in order to offer its customers high-quality service.
Repowering an existing wind farm in France
Alpiq operates the Gravières wind farm in Roussas in the French department of Drôme. To increase the power generated by the wind farm, Alpiq has decided to completely re-power the plant, which was commissioned in 2006. The aim is to replace all wind turbines and increase annual power production by around 30 %. There is no plan to change the current setup and number of turbines. However the complete repowering will increase total power production from 25 GWh to roughly 32 GWh per year. The repowering project will extend the useful life of the Gravières wind farm by another 30 years.
Construction of a new small-scale hydropower plant in Switzerland
Alpiq is continuing to expand its portfolio of small-scale hydropower plants. To construct the Hüscherabach power plant, Alpiq has once again joined forces with the Rheinwald municipality (canton of Grisons). The construction activities started in May 2020 and the new ultra-modern power plant will replace the old plant from the 1930s, which is owned by the Rheinwald municipality. Production will grow from 1.1 GWh per year to about 6.1 GWh.
Refurbishment of the Tannuwald power plant
The Tannuwald power station was commissioned in 1981, belongs to the Energie Electrique du Simplon SA hydropower complex and is located in the Zwischbergental valley. The power plant was flooded during the flood in October 2000 and was then hastily repaired with seven used pumps, which were operated as turbines. During the complete refurbishment between the summer of 2019 and the summer of 2020, the seven turbine pumps were replaced by two vertical machine groups. In addition, the pressure line was re-laid and the building renovated. The installed power at the Tannuwald power station rose from 1.4 MW to 6.8 MW and annual power production grew from 17 GWh to 24 GWh.
New concession for the Gösgen hydropower plant
Alpiq’s Gösgen hydropower plant has received a new concession for 70 years. The new concession was signed on 23 September 2020 and entered into force retrospectively from 1 January 2020. In the coming years, Alpiq Hydro Aare AG will invest in climate-friendly power production from hydropower with the largest hydropower plant on the Aare. This includes a total of 21 environmental compensation measures.
Hydrospider operates a unique hydrogen ecosystem for emission-free mobility
Hydrospider, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility and the H2 Mobility Switzerland Association, at the initiative of hydrogen pioneer H2 Energy, are currently establishing a business model for emission-free mobility that is unique in Europe. By 2025, some 1,600 fuel-cell electric heavy goods vehicles from Hyundai will be travelling on Switzerland’s roads. Members of the H2 Mobility Switzerland Association will use the lorries in day-to-day operations and ensure the establishment of a national refuelling infrastructure. Hydrospider supplies the green hydrogen from its 2 MW electrolysis plant, which is connected directly to Alpiq’s Gösgen hydropower plant to ensure emission-free and climate-friendly production. Alpiq holds a 45 % stake in Hydrospider.