Objective
Aim of the project is to set up a 4.2 MW, 7,6 GWh/year hydroelectric plant within the boundaries of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
In addition to energy production, the project aims to demonstrate that bearing higher costs for environmental impact reduction, it is possible to exploit water resources while respecting strict environmental constraints.
The project consist of a hydroelectric plant, of the flowing water type, to be set up inside the Gran Paradiso National Park, in the Commune of Locana, Province of Turin, Region of Piedmont, Italy. As very strict environmental protection regulations are applied to the area, an attentive study has been made of plant insertion in the natural environment; this study has highlighted and imposed architectural and technological solutions able to reduce the resulting impact on the environment. The approach applied has promoted optimal integration of the hydroelectric plant, during both construction and operation, in the ambient of the National Park.
The diversion structure, scaled for a maximum capacity of 2 m3/s, is located in the bed of the Piantonetto river at an elevation of approx. 961.5 m a.s.l. It consists of a weir, sand filter devices, and intake basin.
The penstock, consisting of a 900 mm diameter, approx. 906 m long metal pipe that overcomes a gradient of approx. 260 m leads out of this. The hydraulic and electric production machinery will be located inside the existing Rosone power station.
The catchment basin, subtended from the plants, has an extension of approx. 20 km2 and is fed exclusively by rain and snow.
Hydrological studies have shown that the mean annual usable capacity is 486 l/s, a value that takes into account possible overflows from the upstream reservoirs, water reelased for irrigation and to preserve the aquatic habitat of the river.
The rated power of the plant is 4.2 MW and the expected average production is 7.6 GWh/year. The main points affected by the opeations designed to reduce impact on the environment will be the intake construction and intake basin and the areas through which the penstock passes. During the construction phase, the impact of site equipment will be reduced looking for natural dips, using barriers and settling basin.
Once the penstock has been assembled, the strip along the penstock affected by the work will be relandscaped to blend with the environment also eliminating all traces of the access tracks constructed during the work.
On completion of the works, all the areas affected by building site both for civil and hydraulic works will be appropriately restored and resdesigned.
Trees will be replaced and special penstock crossing will be provided to permit normal migration of the hoofed animals that live in the Park.
For the penstock and all the visible works of the plant, particular attention will be paid to finding shades that blend well with the existing environment using colors and materials present in the local landscape.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
10122 Torino
Italy