Emosson Hydroelectric Scheme, Switzerland

The Emosson Dam, located in the Swiss Alps, is one of the region's major hydroelectric engineering works. Construction began in 1967 and was completed in 1974.

The dam is a double-curvature arch structure, with a maximum height of 180 meters and a crest length of 526 meters; these numbers sum up to make the fifth highest dam in Switzerland. Its construction required 250,000 cubic meters of excavation and 1,100,000 cubic meters of concrete, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the project.

At the heart of a hydroelectric complex that spans Switzerland and France, the Emosson Dam plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power production. The complex includes two hydroelectric power plants that together supply almost 3% of Switzerland's electricity. This energy is particularly valuable as it is a national resource that is storable, flexible, renewable, and CO₂-free.

Emosson Lake, the artificial reservoir created by the dam, has a capacity of 225 million cubic meters of water, making it the second-largest artificial reservoir in Switzerland. This lake not only contributes to electricity production but also plays a significant role in water resource management, regulating water flow to prevent floods and ensuring supply during drought periods.

The Emosson Dam represents a remarkable example of how engineering can be used to harness natural resources sustainably and efficiently. Its construction and operation demonstrate the benefits of international collaboration and technological innovation in managing energy and environmental resources.ù