The Navizence hydroelectric power station in Chippis, built in 1908, will be comprehensively modernised between October 2010 and December 2013.

The work will be carried out without any major structural alterations. The main work involves replacing the seven horizontal machine groups with three new machine groups, each with a capacity of 23.7 MW, with vertical axis and five injectors. The hydromechanical and electrical equipment will also be upgraded. Once the work is completed, the new power station will have a capacity of 70 MW, of which 20 MW is held in reserve in order to optimise power generation throughout the year, particularly during maintenance work. The new technology will enable cost-effective electricity production. The seven groups of the Navizence power station generate on average 290 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

The Navizence hydroelectric power station is part of the Forces Motrices de la Gougra SA power plant park.

• Gougra