Compagnie Nationale du Rhône is a French public establishment that plays a crucial role in managing the Rhône River, which is the longest river in France. It was created in 1953 to oversee the river's navigation, flood control, and water resources.
The company's primary responsibility is to maintain and improve the Rhône's water infrastructure, including its locks, dams, and canals. This is essential for ensuring the river's navigability and preventing flooding in the surrounding areas.
Compagnie Nationale du Rhône works closely with other government agencies and stakeholders to achieve its goals, including the French Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development.
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History
The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône has a rich history that spans over 80 years. In 1933, the company was founded by Edouard Herriot and Léon Perrier, who envisioned a future where the Rhône River would be developed for navigation, irrigation, and energy production.
The company's capital was divided into four equal groups, with the City of Paris, local communities, the PLM railway company, and major industrial energy companies each owning a quarter of the shares.
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The development of the Rhône River began with the construction of the port of Lyon, which was later renamed Port Edouard Herriot, and the Génissiat Dam, named after Léon Perrier.
In 1934, the state granted the CNR a 27,000-hectare concession for the Rhône River, with a term of 99 years.
Here are some key events in the company's history:
- 1899: The Chamber of Commerce of Lyon initiated the development of the Rhone for navigation, irrigation, and energy production.
- 1921: The Organic Law of the CNR was published, requiring the development of the Rhône to comply with the three purposes.
- 1933: The CNR held its formative general assembly, dividing the capital into four equal groups.
- 1934: The state granted the CNR a 27,000-hectare concession for the Rhone with a term of 99 years.
- 1935: The port of Lyon was constructed.
- 1937: The construction of the first dam on the Rhone, the Génissiat Dam, began.
- 1946: The CNR narrowly escaped nationalization of the electricity sector.
- 1948: The CNR and EDF made an initial financial agreement.
- 1965: The mission of the CNR was redefined in the context of planning policy.
- 1980: The development of the Lower Rhone was completed, and the law on the Rhine-Rhone link was passed.
- 1986: The development of the Upper Rhone Sault Brénaz Dam was completed.
- 1997: The Rhine-Rhone project was abandoned.
- 2000: The law on the modernization and development of the public electricity service was passed.
- 2001: The CNR regained ownership of its production facilities and was allowed to freely market its electricity.
- 2003: The CNR's concession was modernized, and Electrabel entered the capital.
- 2006: The CNR operated the Rhone facilities alone.
Operations
The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône has a long history of providing power to the region, dating back to 1933. The company was established to develop and operate the Rhone River, with a concession until 2023.
Most of the company's power comes from 19 major dams on the Rhone River, which are associated with power stations. The company also has wind and solar power farms.
The company has been independent of Électricité de France (EDF) since 2002, making it EDF's main competitor in the French electricity market. This independence has allowed the company to operate with a high degree of autonomy.
The company's production averages 14.4 billion TWh per year, which is a quarter of the national hydropower and 3% of French electricity production. This is a significant contribution to the country's energy needs.
The company's main facilities include the Génissiat, Donzère-Mondragon, Beauchastel, Montélimar, Seyssel, and Chautagne dams, which were previously operated by EDF.
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Facilities
Compagnie Nationale du Rhône has an impressive array of facilities that showcase the company's commitment to harnessing the power of the Rhône River.
The company operates 19 dams, including the Génissiat, Seyssel, and Motz dams, which are strategically located to maximize energy production.
These dams are complemented by 19 hydroelectric stations, such as Génissiat and Seyssel, which generate electricity from the river's flow.
A notable exception is the Chancy-Pougny dam, which is operated in co-operation with another entity.
The company also has a significant presence in the field of renewable energy, with 21 small hydro plants and mini-plants, as well as 32 wind farms and 14 photovoltaic power plants.
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In addition to these facilities, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône also maintains a network of locks, including 14 wide gauge locks and 5 pleasure craft locks.
The company's infrastructure also includes 400 kilometres of dikes and 32 pumping stations, which help to regulate the river's flow and prevent flooding.
The Rhône River concession spans 27,000 hectares, including 14,000 hectares of river, and features 330 kilometres of wide gauge navigable waterways.
The company operates 27 industrial and port sites, including the port of Lyon, which is a major hub for trade and commerce.
Here's a summary of the company's facilities:
- 19 dams
- 19 hydroelectric stations
- 1 dam in co-operation (Chancy-Pougny)
- 21 small hydro plants and mini-plants
- 32 wind farms
- 14 photovoltaic power plants
- 14 wide gauge locks
- 5 pleasure craft locks
- 400 kilometres of dikes
- 32 pumping stations
- 330 kilometres of wide gauge navigable waterways
- 27,000 hectares of concession
- 27 industrial and port sites
Company Overview
The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône was founded in 1933.
It received a concession from the state in 1934 to develop and manage the Rhône River for various uses.
The company is responsible for designing and operating hydroelectric power plants, dams, and locks on the Rhône River.
It has also developed industrial and port sites, marinas, and recreational areas along the river.
After the liberalization of the French energy market in 2000, the company regained its status as an independent electricity producer and entered the electricity market in 2001.
It is now the second-largest electricity producer in France.
The company produces 100% renewable energy and aims to increase its renewable energy production capacity by 2000 MW by 2015.
It is committed to developing sustainable energy sources, including hydraulic, wind, and solar power.
The company's expertise on the Rhône River allows it to offer engineering services for river and hydroelectric projects in France and abroad.
It has operations in over 20 countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Qu'est-ce que la CNR Rhône ?
La CNR Rhône est le premier producteur français d'énergie renouvelable, spécialisé dans l'hydroélectricité, le transport fluvial et les usages agricoles du Rhône. Elle est concessionnaire du fleuve pour la production d'énergie verte.
Qui est la présidente de la CNR ?
La présidente de la CNR est Laurence Borie-Bancel, qui a été confirmée dans son mandat de membre du Directoire et proposée pour poursuivre son rôle de Présidente.
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