Energy: From Water Mills to Wind Farms

Hydroelectric Heritage

Mountain water powered early industrialization through direct mechanical use, then revolutionized through electricity generation. France's mountains contribute 25% of national electricity production through hydropower, with installations ranging from micro-turbines serving single farms to massive dams powering cities. This "white coal" transformed mountain economies while creating complex legacies.

Large hydroelectric projects brought employment and tax revenues to remote valleys. Construction phases employed thousands, while ongoing operations provide skilled jobs. Tax revenues from installations fund community services otherwise unaffordable in sparsely populated areas. Some communes derive majority revenues from hydroelectric taxes, enabling public investments impossible through local resources alone.

Yet hydroelectricity's impacts extend beyond economics. Dams fragment rivers, blocking fish migration and altering flow regimes. Reservoirs flood valleys, displacing communities and drowning cultural heritage. The Tignes dam, submerging an entire village in 1952, remains contentious despite creating one of Europe's premier ski resorts. Modern projects face intense scrutiny, balancing energy needs with environmental and social costs.

Renewable Energy Futures

Mountains lead France's renewable energy transition beyond hydroelectricity. High-altitude locations offer excellent wind resources, though visual impacts and bird mortality create conflicts. Solar potential varies—southern mountains receive abundant sunshine while northern slopes see limited direct radiation. Biomass from forest residues provides local heating, replacing imported fossil fuels.

Community energy projects multiply as villages seek energy independence and revenue generation. Citizen cooperatives finance wind turbines and solar installations, keeping profits local while building acceptance through participation. Some valleys achieve net energy export, selling clean electricity while meeting all local needs sustainably. These projects require significant social capital—trust, cooperation, technical skills—that mountain communities often possess.

Energy tourism emerges as an unexpected niche. Visitors tour hydroelectric facilities, learning about renewable energy while appreciating engineering achievements. The Grande Dixence dam in nearby Switzerland attracts 100,000 annual visitors. Solar demonstration projects and energy-autonomous mountain huts showcase sustainable technologies. This educational tourism supports energy transition by building public understanding and acceptance.