Between the departments of Isère and Ain, the Rhônergia project of the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) aims to create a new dam with a hydroelectric power station on the river between Lyon and the Upper Rhône. Issues, presentation and opposition to Rhônergia.
The Rhônergia project on the Rhône
Update August 2024:
In view of all the objective and contextualised arguments put forward during the feasibility study and consultation phases, the French government has decided not to go ahead with the project. Read the CNR press release
In 2022, when the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) concession was extended, the concession area was extended to include the downstream section of the Sault-Brénaz in the Ain department.
It was in this part of the river that the French government decided to carry out a feasibility study for the construction of a 20th hydroelectric power station, near the riverside towns of Loyettes and Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas.
Here is the study area and a simplified map showing the location of the towns and villages concerned:
- Rhônergia study area
- Location of Loyettes in Ain and Saint-Romain-de-Jalionas in Isère:
The Rhônergia project is currently in the study phase (2022-2024), and its progress will depend on the results of public consultations and environmental studies.
Advantages of the Rhônergia project
The Rhônergia project offers a number of energy and economic advantages.
On the one hand, it will help to increase the production of renewable energy in France, thereby contributing to the national energy transition objectives.
With a hydroelectric output of 15.3 TWh * in 2021 (Rhône and non-Rhône), this new dam is in line with the CNR’s objective of maintaining hydroelectric power generation in the face of a 30% reduction in the river’s flow by 2060. It would also contribute to achieving 30% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, two objectives of the PPE* (Multiannual Energy Programmes).
Secondly, it will generate economic spin-offs for the areas concerned, particularly in terms of direct and indirect employment: construction of the dam, power generation, maintenance, etc.
In terms of figures, this new hydroelectric power station on the Rhône is expected to produce 140 GWh* per year from a capacity of 40 MW *, equivalent to the electricity consumption, excluding heating, of a town of 60,000 inhabitants.
- Presentation of the project :
Global consultation
This is a participatory democracy procedure organised upstream of a project, under the aegis of the National Commission for Public Debate(CNDP*). The aim of public debate is to identify the impact on the environment, quality of life and economic activity in the area concerned. It gives everyone the opportunity to obtain information, ask questions, make suggestions and discuss the issues.
Prior consultation on the Rhônergia project began on 1 December 2023, for a statutory period of 3 months, until 29 February 2024, in parallel with the initial studies.
To find out more and take part in the global consultation, here are a few links:
- What is consultation ↗
- Documents available for consultation ↗
- Videos and reruns ↗
- Public meetings ↗
- Opinions, questions and answers online ↗
Controversy and public debate
Despite its advantages, the project is also generating opposition.
Environmental associations and local residents are concerned about the impact on natural and aquatic environments, particularly with regard to fish ecosystems and water quality, on which the Lyon metropolitan area’s drinking water supply depends.
- France3 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpesreport:
STOP Rhônergia dam
The STOP Barrage Rhonergia collective, created in November 2023, is opposed to the creation of a new dam in order to preserve the quality of life of local residents and protect the environment of the Rhône valley. It also aims to propose alternative solutions.
To find out more, visit the following links:
The Rhônergia project is a good illustration of the challenges facing those involved in the energy transition: how can we reconcile the imperatives of sustainable development with the preservation of natural and environmental resources?
This debate is at the heart of today’s energy challenges, from production to distribution to consumption, and resolving it requires a concerted approach by all the players involved.
Travel link
- TWh, kilowatt-hour and terawatt-hour, Wikipedia
- Multiannual energy plans (PPE), Ministry of Energy
- Hydroelectric dam on the Rhône, CNDP