The centre of excellence for small-scale hydroelectric plants

Axpo Small Hydropower Ltd produces electricity from renewable energies, and works to promote sustainable energy systems in general.

As the operator of 8 small-scale hydroelectric plants on the Reuss, Limmat, Birs, Langete, Thur and Töss rivers, Axpo Small Hydropower Ltd, with head office in Glattbrugg (ZH), is seen as a centre of excellence for small-scale hydroelectric technology. The company makes sure its plants operate with optimal efficiency, and ensures that environmental, cultural and historical aspects are given due consideration in the case of modernisation and the opening of new sites, including the reactivation of old power stations.

Upgrades are currently in progress at some of the company’s power stations, to enable the plants to continue to operate far into the future and with higher production output.

Axpo Small Hydropower Ltd also owns a wood-fired power plant in Kleindöttingen, where around 20,000 tonnes of old forest timber is processed into electricity and heat. From 1 October 2009, the enterprise is to be taken over by AxpoTegra AG. The company’s power plant facilities also include solar energy plants in the cantons of Aargau, Zurich, St. Gallen and Graubünden. In addition, Axpo Small Hydropower Ltd is a 50% stakeholder in the Marzili combined heating and power station in Bern.

All of the Axpo Small Hydropower Ltd power stations together generate approx. 34 gigawatt hours of electricity, enough to supply just under 8 000 households with green electricity.