Compagnie Nationale du Rhône
| Company type | Public company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electricity generation, Renewable energy |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Headquarters | Lyon , France |
Area served | France |
| Products | Hydroelectric power, Wind power, Solar power |
| Owner | State majority ownership (via Caisse des dépôts et consignations 33.20%, local authorities 16.83%), Electrabel (49.97%) |
Overview
The Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) is a French enterprise specializing in electricity production, predominantly generating renewable energy through hydroelectric plants situated along the Rhône River.
Operations
Established in 1933, CNR manages 19 significant dams and power stations on the Rhône under a concession that extends until 2023. In addition to hydroelectric power, the company oversees wind and solar energy installations. Since its full separation from Électricité de France (EDF) in 2002, CNR has emerged as EDF's principal rival within France's electricity sector. Its yearly electricity generation averages 14.4 billion kWh, accounting for approximately 25% of the country's hydropower output and about 3% of the total national electricity production.
Commissioned by the French government to develop and operate the Rhône River, CNR's responsibilities encompass power generation as well as facilitating navigation and irrigation. Important infrastructure under its management includes dams such as Génissiat, Donzère-Mondragon, Beauchastel, Montélimar, Seyssel, and Chautagne, all previously operated by EDF.
Ownership Structure
Despite liberalization of the electricity market in the early 2000s, French legislation mandates that the State retain majority control over CNR. The Caisse des dépôts et consignations owns 33.20%, while local authorities collectively possess 16.83%, together constituting a controlling stake of 50.03%. The remaining 49.97% is held by Electrabel, a subsidiary of Engie.
The European Commission concluded that since December 2003, GDF Suez effectively exercised control over CNR due to fragmented public ownership and limited governance participation by local entities. Consequently, Electrabel was penalized with a €20 million fine for not notifying the Commission regarding this acquisition of control.
Historical Background
Significant milestones in CNR’s history include:
- 1899: The Lyon Chamber of Commerce initiated efforts with approval from 27 regional chambers to develop the Rhône for navigation, irrigation, and hydropower, seeking state financial support.
- 1921: The Organic Law established CNR’s integrated development mission for the Rhône’s three primary uses.
- 1933: At its founding general assembly, CNR’s capital was divided equally among four groups: City of Paris; 251 local community shareholders; PLM; and major industrial energy companies including Giros-Loucheur and Empain.
- 1934: The State granted a 99-year concession covering 27,000 hectares along the Rhône.
- 1935-1937: Construction commenced on Lyon’s port (Port Edouard Herriot) and the initial dam at Génissiat.
- 1946-1948: CNR narrowly escaped nationalization and negotiated financial terms with EDF during Génissiat’s commissioning phase.
- 1965-1986: Under evolving planning policies, CNR redefined its mission and completed developments on both Lower Rhône (Vaugris) and Upper Rhône (Sault Brénaz Dam).
- 1997: The Rhine-Rhone project was discontinued.
- 2000-2003: Legislative reforms modernized public electricity service; CNR regained full ownership and marketing rights over its production; Electrabel acquired a stake.
- 2006: CNR took exclusive operational control of all Rhône facilities.
Facilities
As of December 31, 2015:[1]
- A total of 19 dams, including notable ones such as Génissiat, Seyssel, Pierre-Bénite, Avignon, and Beaucaire
- 19 hydroelectric power plants, with key sites like Génissiat, Seyssel, Brens-Virignin, Sault-Brénaz, and Bollène
- One cooperative dam located at Chancy-Pougny
- 21 small-scale hydroelectric and mini power installations
- 32 wind energy farms alongside 14 photovoltaic solar power facilities
- 14 locks designed for wide-gauge vessels and an additional 5 locks for recreational boats
- Approximately 400 kilometers of dikes complemented by 330 kilometers of navigable waterways suitable for wide-gauge traffic
- 32 pumping stations in operation
- A concession area covering 27,000 hectares, which includes 14,000 hectares of river surface
- 27 industrial and port locations, notably including the port of Lyon
These infrastructure elements underpin CNR’s comprehensive approach to hydropower production, navigation systems, and the promotion of regional industrial growth.
Production
By the end of 2015, the total installed capacity reached 3,464 MW:
- Hydropower accounted for 3,035 MW
- Wind energy contributed 382 MW
- Photovoltaic capacity stood at 47 MWc
The average yearly electricity output amounts to approximately 14.4 terawatt-hours.
References
Citations
Sources
- ↑ "L'essentiel 2016" (PDF).