La Coche Power Station (French: Centrale de la Coche), also known as Sainte-Hélène la Coche, is a hydroelectric power plant in the commune of Aigueblanche (near Moûtiers), in Savoie, France. It is one of the six main pumped-storage hydropower plants in France.
Design This subterranean power station uses both pumped-storage and the gravity of natural stream flow to generate electricity through four reversible Francis turbine generator assemblies. The water is first taken from La Coche Reservoir (Cuvette de la Coche), then passes through the power station, and finally drains into the Aigueblanche Dam on the Isère River. The four turbines then permit the water to be pumped from the Aigueblanche Dam (also known as the Echelles d'Annibal Dam) back up to the reservoir at a elevation.
La Coche Power Station was originally a prototype for the Grand'Maison Dam, which also functions as a pumped-storage system. La Coche's installed power capacity is 320 megawatts. Its hydraulic head of gives a flow rate of .
Water sources La Coche Reservoir, which lies at an elevation of , is supplied by several watercourses and feeds in its turn a penstock. The water then descends through this conduit to the power station's turbines.
There are eight water intake points that feed the reservoir, located on the following rivers: Bridan and Nant-Pérou,Two tributaries of the Eau Rousse. Eau Rousse, Morel, Nant Brun and Encombres,Two tributaries of the Belleville. Belleville, and Allues.
See also
Renewable energy in France
References
External links
EDF Optimization Plan for La Coche Power Station, with images Hydrelect: La Coche - Sainte-Hélène Pumped-Storage Power Station, with images (in French)