World Power Plants

Super-Bissorte hydropower plant742.26 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

The Super-Bissorte hydropower plant is a significant contributor to France's renewable energy landscape, harnessing the power of water to generate electricity with a notable capacity of 742.26 MW. Situated at coordinates 45.2015, 6.5772 in the picturesque region of the French Alps, this hydroelectric facility exemplifies the effective use of natural resources in energy generation. The plant utilizes a dam-based technology, which allows it to store potential energy in the form of water, releasing it through turbines to produce electricity efficiently. This method not only supports the national grid but also plays a crucial role in stabilizing energy supply during peak demand periods. As part of France's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions, the Super-Bissorte plant aligns with national energy policies aimed at enhancing the share of renewable sources in the energy mix. The hydropower sector is essential in France, providing a substantial portion of the country's electricity, and the Super-Bissorte plant is a vital asset in achieving energy security and resilience. Its operational context is particularly relevant in a landscape increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The facility's ability to provide reliable baseload power contributes to France's overall energy independence and reinforces its position as a leader in the European renewable energy market.

Capacity
742.26 MW
Commissioning Year
1998

28 years old

Owner
EDF
Location
45.2015°, 6.5772°

France, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 56. largest of 2,195 plants in France
  • #3,250 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #523 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.39% of the installed capacity of France
Age & fleet comparison

28 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

EDF operates 188 plants totalling 24,422 MW

Regional density

121 plants within 100 km, 10,506 MW combined

Nearest plant: SAUSSAZ (8.4 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 45.201501, 6.577228
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Super-Bissorte hydropower plant is a hydro power plant producing approximately 2601 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
France
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Super-Bissorte Hydropower Plant: A Key Asset in France's Renewable Energy Infrastructure

The Super-Bissorte hydropower plant, located in France, boasts an impressive generation capacity of 742.26 megawatts (MW), making it one of the significant contributors to the country's renewable energy landscape. As a hydroelectric facility, it utilizes the kinetic energy of flowing water to produce electricity, aligning with France's commitment to sustainable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hydropower, being one of the most efficient forms of renewable energy, plays a pivotal role in France’s energy strategy, which aims to achieve a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing energy security.

The operational mechanism of the Super-Bissorte plant involves the conversion of potential energy from water stored at a height into kinetic energy as it flows down through turbines. This process is highly efficient, with modern hydroelectric plants achieving efficiency rates of over 90%. The facility harnesses water from a nearby river, utilizing its flow to turn turbines connected to generators that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The plant's design incorporates advanced technology to ensure optimal performance while adhering to environmental standards.

In terms of environmental impact, the Super-Bissorte hydropower plant offers a clean energy alternative to traditional fossil fuels, which are significant contributors to air pollution and climate change. By generating electricity through hydropower, the facility minimizes carbon emissions and helps mitigate the adverse effects of global warming. However, it is essential to recognize that hydropower plants can also alter local ecosystems and water levels, potentially affecting fish migration and aquatic habitats. Therefore, measures are typically implemented to minimize ecological disruption, such as fish ladders and flow management systems, to ensure that local wildlife can thrive alongside energy generation.

Regionally, the Super-Bissorte hydropower plant serves as a linchpin for energy supply, providing stable and reliable electricity to nearby communities and industries. Its capacity significantly contributes to France's overall energy mix, where renewable sources, particularly hydropower, play a crucial role in achieving energy independence. In the context of the European Union's broader goals of transitioning towards greener energy solutions, the plant exemplifies France's leadership in renewable energy initiatives.

In conclusion, the Super-Bissorte hydropower plant is not only a vital component of France's energy infrastructure, but it also represents the country's commitment to sustainable energy practices. Through the harnessing of hydroelectric power, it supports both environmental objectives and regional energy needs, positioning itself as an essential asset in the ongoing transition to a low-carbon economy.

FranceEnergy Profile

2,195
Total Plants
192.2 GW
Total Capacity
NuclearHydroWindCoal
Top Fuels

See Incorrect or Missing Data?

Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.