World Power Plants

Riddes is a prominent hydroelectric power plant located in Switzerland, contributing significantly to the country's energy generation landscape. With a capacity of 258 MW, this facility plays a vital role in the national energy mix, harnessing the natural flow of water to produce renewable electricity. Commissioned in 1956, Riddes utilizes advanced hydro technology to convert kinetic energy from moving water into electrical energy efficiently. The plant is strategically situated at coordinates 46.1728, 7.2236, nestled in the picturesque Swiss landscape, where the abundance of water resources complements the country’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. As a hydro power plant, Riddes not only generates clean energy but also supports the local grid by providing a steady and reliable power supply, particularly during peak demand periods. The operational context of Riddes is framed by Switzerland’s robust energy policies that prioritize renewable sources, aiming for a significant reduction in carbon emissions and a transition towards a greener energy future. The plant's output contributes to the Swiss government's ambitious targets for renewable energy, ensuring that hydroelectricity remains a cornerstone of the nation’s energy strategy, which is essential in a region known for its mountainous terrain and abundant water resources. The technology employed at Riddes allows it to take advantage of the natural elevation changes in the landscape, facilitating the efficient operation of turbines that convert water flow into electricity. The plant's long-standing operation further demonstrates its reliability and the effective management of renewable resources in Switzerland, making it an essential player in the hydroelectric sector. Overall, Riddes stands as a testament to the potential of hydro power in contributing to energy independence, economic stability, and environmental sustainability in the region.

Capacity
258 MW
Commissioning Year
1956

70 years old

Owner
Alpiq
Location
46.1728°, 7.2236°

Switzerland, Europe

Context & rankings
  • 14. largest of 168 plants in Switzerland
  • #6,585 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,220 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 1.94% of the installed capacity of Switzerland
Age & fleet comparison

70 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Alpiq operates 17 plants totalling 3,510 MW

Regional density

93 plants within 100 km, 7,846 MW combined

Nearest plant: Fionnay (Mauvoisin) (2 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 46.172800, 7.223600
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Riddes is a hydro power plant producing approximately 904 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
Switzerland
Continent
Europe
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

SwitzerlandEnergy Profile

168
Total Plants
13.3 GW
Total Capacity
HydroNuclearSolar
Top Fuels

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