Small hydroelectricity, but big potential!

The development of small-scale hydropower is confirmed. The Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition has just announced the results of the latest call for tenders. Ten of the 14 selected projects will be built on new sites. Small, environmentally friendly power plants have a bright future ahead of them on our rivers.

Much has happened since the implementation of the "small hydropower" tendering mechanism in 2016. With a forecast increase of 500 to 750 MW for hydropower by 2023, it was therefore necessary to maintain the momentum in an attempt to achieve the objectives of the Multiannual Energy Program. An additional 36.9 MW have been selected through 14 projects as part of a first round of tenders. Two more will follow for a total of 105 MW.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in the lead

France's leading hydropower region is, unsurprisingly, the big winner of the latest call for tenders. With 9 projects totaling 24.78 MW, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes obtained more than two-thirds of the new installed capacity. The winners include small local public and private companies, mid-sized groups such as the energy company GEG (city of Grenoble/Engie), and EDF subsidiaries (SHEMA). With 3.9 MW, the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region obtained two projects, followed by Occitanie with 3.7 MW, the PACA region, and Île-de-France. It should also be noted that the Voie Navigable de France (VNF) consortium and JMB HYDRO (a Quadran subsidiary) have been awarded three projects for a total of 5.4 MW.

Economic competitiveness and environment

The 14 projects selected in this latest call for tenders were also selected based on environmental quality criteria. Thus, the Energy Regulatory Commission was able, during its assessment, to exclude projects that did not provide sufficient guarantees regarding the consideration of their environmental impact. Only the most virtuous were selected. Another important criterion: price. With an average price of €89.6/MW, "this call for tenders is proof that hydroelectricity can reconcile economic competitiveness and respect for the environment," emphasizes the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition. "It reinforces the leading position of the hydroelectric sector as a source of renewable electricity production."

Potential to be exploited

To continue to remain at the top of the podium in the renewable energy mix, hydroelectricity must be able to develop further. While its potential is estimated at between 11 and 12 TWh, the equivalent of two nuclear reactors[1], the classification of certain rivers halves the possible development of this renewable energy source. However, technological progress in small-scale hydroelectricity has been significant. The impact of power plants on the environment has been reduced. In addition, greater protection of ecosystems, particularly for migratory fish, has been implemented. There remains a need to further reconcile economic models and environmental requirements. In this respect, the CRE's latest call for tenders brings hope for the energy transition, environmental preservation, and heritage. Aren't small hydroelectric power plants a legacy to be left to future generations?

Cyrille Arnoux, web editorial manager

[1] Source France Hydroélectricité