Serre Chevalier: A pioneer in renewable energy

The Serre Chevalier Vallée ski area is a pioneer in the production of renewable energy in the mountains.

The company, a subsidiary of the Compagnie des Alpes, was launched in 2015 following the publication of the 2015 Climate Law, which set energy targets in France.

Almost 10 years later, in 2024, the objective has been reached or even exceeded, so that 30% of the energy consumed by the ski area is produced locally thanks to renewable installations, set up by the ski lift operator. This result has been obtained by mixing different sources of energy production.

Solar energy has been sourced using 1722 M2 of photovoltaic panels spread over 13 different installations. The altitude, the cold and the reflection of the sun on the snow allow a production higher than 25% of the manufacturers’ standards. Solar energy accounts for 10% of the energy produced.

Two wind turbines have been installed at an altitude of 2400 meters and are capable of resisting the climate at this altitude. Wind power accounts for only 5% of the energy produced locally.

Finally, hydroelectricity, which provides 85% of the energy produced by the estate. 2 power plants are connected to the artificial snow production network. They produce 3573 MWh, which represents, in comparison, the average electricity consumption of 760 households in France.

For Patrick ARNAUD, Managing Director of SCV, “a ski area is a suitable place to receive the three types of renewable energy. We wanted to make it a laboratory to serve as an example.”

This programme was awarded by Europe in 2022, as the estate received the EUSALP ENERGY AWARD which recognises best practices in the energy transition in the Alps.