The highest dam in Europe is also a gigantic solar system
The highest dam in Europe is also a gigantic solar system. In addition to glaciers and snow, around 5,000 solar panels now stand out in the Swiss Alps.
The share of wind and solar energy is likely to increase further in the coming years. Total already come over ten percent of the energy required worldwide from wind and solar power. In order for this value to continue to rise, creative ideas for using existing structures are needed. A project from Switzerland is now revealing how it can work.
Specifically, it is about a dam on the Muttsee. The reservoir is in turn in the Swiss Alps at 2,500 meters above sea level, making it the highest dam in all of Europe.
But where you used to only see glaciers, snow and the water surface, almost 5,000 solar panels now stand out. The highest dam in Europe is now also one gigantic solar system.
A dam as a solar system – with a yield of around 2.2 megawatts
The Swiss company Axpo provided the solar construction in mid-2022. Actual energy production began in September. Under ideal conditions, the solar panels alone produce around 2.2 megawatts.
A hydroelectric power station installed on the dam produces additional energy. For the part powered by the sun, the energy should be sufficient for around 700 households. In total, the power plant produces around 3.3 million kilowatt hours per year.
There is also a good yield in winter, because the usual foggy fields in the region rarely occur due to the high altitude. The operator expects the greatest yield in the months of February and March.
Other projects are to follow in the future
The panels used are manufactured by a company directly in Switzerland. In addition, they have a special feature. Because at an altitude of 2,500 meters, special protection against snow is required. According to the manufacturer, this is definitely the case with the design. But the Axpo is far from finished with the huge solar park.
The company plans to set up up to 4,200 solar projects by 2030. In the next ten years, Switzerland will therefore also be consistently moving towards a sustainable future. The project in the Alps at least shows that the existing infrastructure can easily be expanded into a solar park.
Also interesting:
