Hydroelectricity
ENGIE Electrabel operates 3 types of power plants that run on water: pumped-storage power stations (Coo), small run-of-river and dam hydroelectric power plants
Water: a source of electricity
Coo pumped storage power station
For over 40 years (since 1972), the Coo power station has played a core role in our energy mix. It is vital to covering the growing need for flexibility triggered by the energy transition and the intermittent renewable energies. Coo’s maximum capacity totals 1,080 MW.
More information about the Coo pumped storage power station
The small hydroelectric power stations : run-of-river or dam power plants
Electrabel operates 8 run-of-river and dam power plants in the south-east of Belgium, primarily along the Warche and Amblève. These plants have a total capacity of 21,7 MW.
How does a dam hydroelectric power plant work?
- A run-of-river power plant is located on a dammed water course. There is a low drop height (between 3 and 15 metres). The volume and speed of the water flowing through the turbines depends on the flow of the river.
- A dam power plant first storages a huge quantity of water in an artificial barrier lake. The turbine is located either close to the foot of the dam or further downstream.
Did you know: in addition to generating electricity, a dam/barrier lake can also be used as a reservoir as well as to regulate the reserves of drinking water and rises in water levels