Haute-Savoie: barely built, the order to destroy a hydroelectric plant creates controversy

The work has just been completed, and the plant should have already started producing electricity. Six million euros have been invested to run a turbine with water taken from high altitude. But the plant is shut down, the mayor (DD) of Sallanches (Haute-Savoie), Georges Morand, is not taking off. “Stop. We make electricity with water, we give water back to the torrent, we can’t be greener”, he said.

The subject divides the inhabitants

According to its designers, the plant was to supply 20% homes in the town with electricity. But it uses water from a fragile and protected river. The administrative court of Grenoble (Isère) considered that it substantially modified the watercourse. An association for the defense of the environment had taken legal action. The court ordered the demolition of the building. “I think it’s wasted money.”says a resident. “If there is a valid reason, it makes sense not to do it”nuance a man.