ANDRITZ Pump Turbine to Support 250 GWh Energy Storage Expansion in French Jura

Pumped storage project Vouglans/Saut-Mortier on the Ain River
© Électricité de France (EDF)

(IN BRIEF) Électricité de France has awarded ANDRITZ a contract to supply a new pump turbine and associated equipment for the Vouglans/Saut-Mortier pumped storage project in France’s Jura region. The project will transform an existing hydropower cascade on the Ain River into a three-basin pumped storage system linking the Coiselet, Saut-Mortier and Vouglans reservoirs. It will increase total output by around 80 to 85 MW and expand energy storage capacity from 50 GWh to 250 GWh. ANDRITZ will supply the 17-MW variable-speed pump turbine, including design, manufacturing, assembly, commissioning and the turbine governor. Ingeteam will provide the motor generator and full power converter. Project execution is scheduled from 2026 to 2031.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 21-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Électricité de France has awarded international technology group ANDRITZ a contract to supply a new pump turbine and associated equipment for the Vouglans/Saut-Mortier pumped storage project in France’s Jura region.

The project is designed to increase energy storage capacity, improve grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity system.

The order is valued in the lower double-digit million-euro range and was included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the second quarter of 2026.

The project will transform the existing hydropower cascade on the Ain River into a three-basin system connecting the Coiselet, Saut-Mortier and Vouglans reservoirs.

During periods of low electricity demand, water will be pumped upstream and stored. During peak demand periods, the stored water will be released through the pump turbine to generate electricity, providing rapid renewable power and supporting grid stability.

With the addition of the new pump turbine, the total output of Vouglans/Saut-Mortier will increase by around 80 to 85 MW.

The project will also expand energy storage capacity from 50 GWh to 250 GWh, significantly increasing the usable water volume while making better use of existing infrastructure.

EDF and ANDRITZ said the project will take ecological and territorial requirements into account as part of the modernisation.

ANDRITZ will supply a 17-MW variable-speed pump turbine, with responsibility covering design, manufacturing, assembly, commissioning and the turbine governor.

Consortium partner Ingeteam will supply the motor generator and full power converter, enabling variable-speed operation.

Project execution is planned from 2026 to 2031.

The Vouglans/Saut-Mortier project highlights the growing role of pumped storage hydropower in balancing electricity systems, storing renewable energy and providing flexible capacity during periods of peak demand.

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 492 gigawatts, we offer innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small hydropower to large-scale plants.

State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, synchronous condenser systems for grid stability and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
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ANDRITZ Hydropower
Alexander Schwab
alexander.schwab@andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ