Rhône river concession 2041 (CNR)

Negotiated by the French government with Europe until 2041, theextension of the Rhône River concession for the management of dams and its territory was the subject of a public consultation that ended on 30 June 2019.

Rhône River Concession

Since 1934, the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône(CNR) has held the concession for hydroelectric production, irrigation for agri-food production and navigation until 2021.

This concession represents 14 locks along the 470 kilometres of the Rhône and the 27,000 hectares surrounding it, with 3,000 MegaWatts (MW) of electrical power and 650,000 cubic metres (m3) of water distributed for agriculture.

Its renewal covers an expanded territory, with 30,000 hectares of adjoining land and 550 kilometres of river, with a revision of the 2003 master plan that focuses in particular on investment, environmental protection and regional development along the river.

This concession is unique in France, and is the subject of a dedicated law, the Rhône Law of 1921, and is based on a redistributive model. The State currently receives€100 million a year in royalties, and €30 million is invested in the areas concerned.

Prolongation, what changes?

3 major points in the development and extension of the Rhône concession:

Extended territorial scope

The extension project proposes to include within the scope of the Rhône concession several sections and structures of the public river domain, currently administered by other operators (Voies navigables de France, Savoie departmental directorate of the Territories).

Map of the evolution of the concession :

Updating the master plan

An investment component of 160 million every 5 years in more diversified sectors such as small hydroelectric power stations, waterways, ports,agriculture, ecological diversity and ecosystem protection.

Objectives and programme

Construction of small hydroelectric power stations (at Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf and Vallabrègues), studies on the potential for increasing production at existing facilities, diversification of electricity production methods and development of renewable energies.

Development of uses for the waterway and ports, construction of new locks (Sault-Brenaz, La Freyssine, etc.), restoration of the Savières canal, etc.

Supporting changes in farming practices in the Rhône Valley

Restoring the ecological richness of the Rhône

Partnership actions (technical and/or financial support), particularly for economic, local, tourist or heritage development, always with a territorial or functional link to the concession, the river, its uses and the general interest.

Additional studies and work

In order to continue thedevelopment of the Rhône for electricity production and the development of inland waterways, taking account of climate change, an additional overall amount of 500 million euros has been earmarked between now and 2041.

The projects

The study and (depending on the State’s decision) the construction of a new hydroelectric scheme upstream of the confluence of the Ain, in the Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas sector.

The construction, development and improvement of hydroelectric infrastructure

Improving the reliability of navigation infrastructures

The construction and development of fish continuity structures.

Agenda for the new dealership

Public consultation ran until 30 June 2019, with seminars, consultations and thematic workshops following a precise timetable, before approval by decree of the Council of State in 2020.

Voyage in France

The Rhône concession until 2041