The Federal Office of Energy (FOE) granted Alpiq the permit to build this line on 30 June 2010. Construction of this line will significantly improve security of supply in Switzerland, particularly in French-speaking Switzerland. The line will connect the Lower Valais to the grid in German-speaking Switzerland via Bickigen (BE) and serve to transport the electricity generated in the new Cleuson-Dixence and Nant de Drance power stations. The availability of this new electricity highway could also play a key role in terms of future investments in hydroelectricity in canton Valais, since otherwise it makes no sense to invest in new power generating facilities unless the energy produced can be transported to the end consumer. Given this situation, the fact that the construction permit has been granted for this line is also good news for projects such as Rhôdix.

Chamoson-Chippis in figures

With a voltage of 380 KV and a capacity of 4000 MW, the future line is a veritable electricity highway. A total of 72 pylons will be erected every 200 to 500 meters, depending on the topography, along a 28-kilometer section. This line also adds value for the landscape in the Lower Valais, since it will consolidate the various existing lines. Within four years of the new line's commissioning, therefore, 190 pylons will be dismantled over a 58-kilometer section. The total budget for this project amounts to CHF 70 million.

Project status

Several objections have been lodged with the Federal Administrative Court, mainly by private individuals. As soon as the court has ruled on the matter, an objection which has been rejected can be referred to the Federal Court.

At the same time the Valais State Council has commissioned a panel of experts and a committee of representatives of interest groups to evaluate the cabling alternatives. Their findings are scheduled for publication in the second quarter of 2011, and will then be submitted to voters and the various parties in the Valais.