Serre-Ponçon dam

Barrage de Serre-Ponçon - Barrage de Serre-Ponçon (Copyright : Xavier Mordefroid - Armoise)
Lac de compensation d'Espinasses - Lac de compensation d'Espinasses (Copyright : Analogue production / CCSPVA)
Barrage de Serre-Ponçon vue du ciel - Barrage de Serre-Ponçon vue du ciel (Copyright : Adobe Stock)
Barrage de Serre-Ponçon - Barrage de Serre-Ponçon (Copyright : Xavier Mordefroid - Armoise)
Lac de compensation d'Espinasses - Lac de compensation d'Espinasses (Copyright : Analogue production / CCSPVA)
Barrage de Serre-Ponçon vue du ciel - Barrage de Serre-Ponçon vue du ciel (Copyright : Adobe Stock)
Barrage de Serre-Ponçon
D3
05190
Rousset
Business and Discovery
04 92 54 58 11
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visites-ump@edf.fr
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Presentation

The EDF dam and hydroelectric power station: an exceptional industrial heritage! It is one of the largest earthen hydroelectric dams in Europe. It impresses by its size: 123 m high, 600 m wide and 650 m thick!

The construction of the Serre-Ponçon dam, made of materials extracted from the bed of the Durance, between 1955 and 1960, required the displacement of the inhabitants and the destruction of the villages of Savines and Ubaye.

It is a compacted earth dam, the central core being made of waterproof clay. It has been designated as a 20th century heritage site.

The hydroelectric plant dug into the rock was gradually brought into service from 1960 onwards.
Serre-Ponçon is the first of the 16 dams and 23 power plants that make up the Durance-Verdon hydroelectric chain. It is the main reservoir, feeding the EDF Durance canal for almost 250 km.

On average, this chain produces the electricity needed by 2.1 million people per year, the equivalent of the population of Paris itself. Renewable energy with no greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions.

In addition to producing electricity, these structures are a considerable regional asset, playing a key role in the sharing of water in Provence:

- supply of drinking water for more than 3 million people,

- irrigation of 80,000 hectares of agricultural land,

- supply of industrial water for nearly 400 companies,

- drought and flood control,

- development of the tourist economy.

Complementary welcome : The EDF Odysselec House of water and energy in Serre-Ponçon
Interactive models, videos of the construction of the dam, modern scenography, projection room, multi-use of water.

Visit

Informations complémentaires pour les visites: 

POUR VISITER LA CENTRALE DE SERRE-PONÇON
Visite sur inscription obligatoire préalable et sous réserve de disponibilité. La visite est soumise à des conditions d’accès strictes, aucune dérogation possible :

• enfants acceptés à partir de 12 ans,

• carte nationale d'identité ou passeport en cours de validité pour les personnes majeures et mineures (non acceptés : permis de conduire, titre ou carte de séjour),

• chaussures fermées sans talon pour tous (type baskets ou randonnée),

• visite de la centrale non adaptée aux personnes à mobilité réduite.»

Services

Coach access
Guided tours

Equipments

Car park
Free car park
Coach parking
Bicycle parking
Hydroelectric power plant
Sustainable development
Orientation board
Période d'ouverture

Tours of the power station are possible by contacting the Maison de l'eau et des énergies.

From July to the end of August, free access from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), from 9am to 12pm and from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

The rest of the year, by group reservation only.

Tarifs

Free of charge.

Accessibilité

Not accessible in a wheelchair

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