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Pumped storage project Vouglans/Saut-Mortier on the Ain River

ANDRITZ to supply pump turbine for pumped storage modernization project in France

2026/07/20

Électricité de France (EDF) has awarded international technology group ANDRITZ a contract to supply a new pump turbine and associated equipment for the Vouglans/Saut-Mortier pumped storage project in the French Jura region. The project will increase energy storage capacity, enhance grid stability, and support the integration of renewable energy sources.

The order has a value in the lower double-digit million-euro range and is included in ANDRITZ's order intake for the second quarter of 2026.

The project will transform the existing hydropower cascade on the Ain River into a three-basin system linking the Coiselet, Saut-Mortier, and Vouglans reservoirs. During periods of low electricity demand, water will be pumped upstream for storage and then released through the pump turbine to generate electricity during periods of peak demand, providing rapid renewable power and enhancing grid stability. 

With the addition of the new pump turbine, the total output of Vouglans/Saut-Mortier will increase by around 80 to 85 MW, while energy storage capacity will expand from 50 GWh to 250 GWh. The project enables better use of the existing infrastructure and significantly increases the usable water volume, taking ecological and territorial requirements into account.

ANDRITZ will supply the 17-MW variable-speed pump turbine, including design, manufacturing, assembly, commissioning, and the turbine governor. Consortium partner Ingeteam will supply the motor generator and full power converter enabling variable-speed operation. Project execution is planned from 2026 to 2031. 

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Pumped storage project Vouglans/Saut-Mortier on the Ain River

Pumped storage project Vouglans/Saut-Mortier on the Ain River

© Électricité de France (EDF)

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world's leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 492 gigawatts, we offer innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small hydropower to large-scale plants. 

State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, synchronous condenser systems for grid stability and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.