Ecological flow recuperation and environmental impacts at the low-head dam on the Rhone river (Le Pouzin, France)

The recuperation of the energy spilled over with the reserved flow at the low dam on the Rhone river now presents an economic interest. In this way, the C.N.R. (Compagnie Nationale du Rhone) completes a 1 MW mini hydro power plant on Le Pouzin dam with a 10 m3/s reserved flow. The environmental consequences are inventoried and studied; supplementary and back-up solutions, which will noticeably improve the present situation, are carried out: - partition of the different qualities waters, - creation of spawning areas and refuge for fish population, - parallel pipe for safety flow by-passing the mini hydro power plant during its breakdown. Some other induced consequences are recorded: - better control of the reserved flow, -auxiliaries safety energy for the dam and main power plant, - financial profits for riverside cities. Due to its originality, this project benefits of of E.E.C. subsidy, as 'demonstration project'. 4 figs., 1 tab., 1 photo