Feasibility study for the retrofitting a small hydroelectric power station at the mill of Noiraigue, Switzerland

For the time being, the old mill on the left bank of the river Noiraigue, Switzerland is equipped with a small turbine of only a few kW. The present study investigates the technical and economical possibilities for maximizing the electric power production at the site. Two variants were studied: variant A retains the existing construction at the site and comprises a single turbine with a maximum electric power output of 70 kW. The annual energy production would be 348'300 kWh and the production cost 0.13 CHF/kWh. Variant B includes important modifications in the construction - especially the dam and the channels. Two turbines with a total maximum power output of 118 kW are foreseen. The annual energy production would be 448'500 kWh and the production cost 0.15 CHF/kWh. Due to these findings, variant A is preferred and proposed for realization