International technology group ANDRITZ has secured a contract from French utility EDF to supply a new turbine and associated electromechanical equipment for the Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project in eastern France, marking another major step in the modernization of one of the country’s important hydropower assets.
ANDRITZ turbine contract scope
The contract covers the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a new 18 MW variable-speed pump-turbine generating unit, including the pump-turbine, generator, associated electrical systems, mechanical auxiliaries, and advanced automation equipment.
The expansion project will transform the existing Saut-Mortier hydropower station into a more flexible pumped storage facility. It will be capable of both generating electricity and pumping water back to an upper reservoir during periods of surplus renewable energy production.
The Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project Jura is also part of EDF’s wider strategy to strengthen France’s long-duration energy storage infrastructure. This is as increasing volumes of wind and solar generation require greater grid flexibility.
Furthermore, pumped storage hydropower remains the world’s largest commercially proven energy storage technology. It also provides efficient balancing services, frequency regulation, reserve capacity and renewable energy integration.
Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project in eastern France
The Vouglans-Saut-Mortier scheme is located along the Ain River in France’s Jura. It forms part of a cascade of hydroelectric facilities operated by EDF.
Under the expansion project, a new underground reversible pump-turbine unit will be installed at the 44 MW Saut-Mortier power station. This will allow water to be pumped from the Coiselet reservoir upstream to the Saut-Mortier reservoir and ultimately to the Vouglans reservoir. This is before being released again to generate electricity during periods of peak demand.
Once completed, Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project will convert the existing facilities into an 87 MW pumped storage power plant. This is expected to significantly increase operational flexibility while optimizing the coordinated operation of the Coiselet, Saut-Mortier, and Vouglans stations.
Beyond energy storage, EDF also expects the project to improve management of water flows along the Ain River and deliver environmental benefits. This includes better regulation of river conditions for aquatic ecosystems and fish populations.
Variable-speed technology
A central feature of the Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project is the installation of a variable-speed Francis pump-turbine. This is a technology increasingly favored for modern pumped storage developments.
Unlike conventional fixed-speed units, variable-speed machines can continuously adjust pumping power to match fluctuations in renewable electricity generation and grid demand. This allows for more precise frequency regulation and improved integration of intermittent solar and wind generation. Variable-speed pump-turbine technology also offers greater operational efficiency over a wider range of hydraulic conditions. Faster response to changing electricity market conditions is another factor making it increasingly popular in more modern hydro projects.
Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project’s pump turbine will also include a voltage-source inverter (VSI) system. The VSI system will enable variable-speed operation. This will be together with associated medium-voltage electrical infrastructure and auxiliary systems.
Construction timeline
Procurement for the Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project began in 2024. This is after EDF issued an international tender for the new generating equipment with an estimated contract value of approximately €32 million.
Construction is planned over six years, with work extending through 2032.
Supporting France’s energy transition
France already possesses one of Europe’s largest hydropower fleets, alongside other countries such as Switzerland which has the tallest gravity dam in the world, the Grande Dixence. Pumped storage is also playing an increasingly important role in maintaining electricity system stability as renewable generation expands.
As nuclear, wind, and solar resources increasingly operate together, pumped storage plants provide large-scale energy shifting by storing surplus electricity through water pumping during low-demand periods and returning it to the grid when demand rises.
The Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project therefore strengthens EDF’s ability to provide flexible and dispatchable renewable electricity. This is while helping reduce renewable curtailment and supporting grid reliability.
Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion and modernization project in France: Fact sheet
Location: Saut-Mortier, near Cernon, Jura
Region: Jura, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte
River Basin: Ain River
Project Status: Under development. ANDRITZ awarded new turbine supply contract.
Project Owner/Developer: Electricite de France (EDF)
Engineering, Procurement and Electromechanical Contractor: ANDRITZ Hydro
Project Objective: Convert the existing Saut-Mortier hydropower station into a flexible pumped storage facility. This is through installing a new variable-speed reversible pump-turbine to increase renewable energy storage capacity and improve grid flexibility.
Reservoirs Involved:
- Vouglans Reservoir
- Saut-Mortier Reservoir
- Coiselet Reservoir
Existing Saut-Mortier Installed Capacity: 44 MW
New Pumped Storage Unit: 18 MW variable-speed reversible Francis pump-turbine
Installed Capacity After Expansion: 84 MW (EDF) to 87 MW (procurement documents)
Technology:
- Variable-speed Francis pump-turbine
- Generator-motor
- Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)
- Medium-voltage electrical systems
- Mechanical auxiliary equipment
- Digital automation and control systems
Scope of ANDRITZ Contract:
- Engineering and detailed design
- Manufacturing of electromechanical equipment
- Supply of the complete generating package
- Installation
- Testing and commissioning
- Automation and plant control systems
Estimated New Turbine Contract Value: €32 million
Construction Period: 2026 to 2032
Key Innovation: Vouglans-Saut-Mortier pumped storage expansion project will create France’s first three-reservoir pumped storage (STEP) system. This will allow water to be recycled through Coiselet, Saut-Mortier and Vouglans for significantly greater operational flexibility.
Expected Benefits:
- Increased renewable electricity storage
- Improved integration of wind and solar power
- Faster grid balancing and frequency regulation
- Higher utilization of existing hydro infrastructure
- Better management of water flows in the Ain River
- Enhanced environmental management for aquatic ecosystems
Employment Impact:
- 837 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs supported over the project
- Peak workforce of around 100 workers on site
Supporting Organizations:
- Agence de l’Eau (French Water Agency)
- Regional and local authorities in the Ain Valley
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