The Albarine-Source of energy By Pierre Sceauvy Paper published in Le Progrès the 28th of July 1997 Reproduced with the kind authorization of the author
Not only is the Albarine a great river for trout fishing, but it serves as an important source of energy, with 4 small hydroelectric plants located between Chaley and Tenay. In France, hydroelectric stations produce 10% of the total electric energy. EDF (Electricity of France), which manages this energy, purchases it from many private stations paying a well defined cost price: between the November 1 and March 5 EDF buys the energy at a rate three times that of the rest of the months. The hydroelectric stations were first built along the Albarine around 1894. Until 1950, these stations supplied all the valley’s industries (Tenay, Argis, and Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey). Following the dissolution of these industries, EDF became the sole buyer of this energy. Apart from being the suppliers of energy, the hydroelectric stations also safeguard the valley from sudden rises in the river level. Today, the Albarine is flowing at the rate of 4m3/second, whereas the annual average is estimated to be 7 to 8m3/second. Taking advantage of this decrease, the French Society for Centers of Economy (SFFE), the owner of two of the stations, are renovating the dams. They are replacing the wooden floodgates with metal valves. «When in 1990, the rate of flow rose up to 180 m3/second, we had misgivings about the strength of the dam. But the Ancients knew their job: the dam played its part! Every ten years, we have to inspect the stations. The DDE (water service) and the Water police are inflexible. Our dams should support a rate of 270 m3/second». Christian Clerget, responsible for the maintenance of the SFFE’s hydroelectric stations, confesses his passion for these stations. In fact, one can tell: the engine room couldn’t be cleaner! The upstream station is equipped with two turbines (one Francis and one Kaplan), which together produce 120 kW/hour. The downstream station is equipped with four turbines (three Francis and one Kaplan), which produce 700 kW/hour. The biggest station along the Albarine is situated upstream of the bridge La Violette, in Chaley. It is equipped with double Francis turbines. This year, its owner has started renovations. The other station on the Albarine is the property of Mr. Choinard. Thus, four hydroelectric stations between Chaley and Tenay are using water from the waterfall of Charabotte to produce hydroelectric energy. •