The Verbois Dam

The Verbois dam ensures a steady supply of electricity to the inhabitants of Geneva, even in the event of a peak in consumption! This site produces 15% of the canton's consumption and even so, it is operated in such a way as to preserve the fauna and flora surrounding it.

History

Inaugurated in 1944, the Verbois site includes the dam with four passes, as well as the plant which is equipped with four Kaplan turbines and two lateral dikes.
 

The dam is operated on a flow-of-the-river basis. The modulation of the flow of the Rhône at the Seujet dam enables the Verbois plant to produce electricity during peak consumption hours.

Environment

It is essential for SIG to preserve the fauna and flora of the sites it operates. The Verbois dam is therefore equipped with a fish ladder to enable fish to pass through the obstacle represented by the structure. The ladder consists of small, stepped basins that enable fish to swim upstream along the dam.

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ENVIRONEMENTAL ASPECTS

Key figures

  • 100 MW of power

  • 466 GWh an annual production rate

  • 15 % of Geneva's consumption

  • 20 metres of gross head (difference in the water level between the top and the base of the dam)

Tour information

Due to Covid-19, guided tours are temporarily suspended. 

 

Target audience

 

These guided tours are suitable for companies, schools, organisations and public bodies.

They are organised for groups from 10 people minimum to 19 maximum. Recommended age: from 10 years old.

Please note: Visits are unsuitable for persons with reduced mobility.

 

Tour information

 

From Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tour).
Tour combined with the SIG Solar III power plant.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Languages: French, English.

 

 

Pricing

 

Tours are free for schools, organisations and public bodies.

For companies, the price is CHF 300 per guide (19 people).

Registration is required.

 

Registration information

 

Once you have filled out our form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
For more information, contact us via visites.sites@sig-ge.ch, or at 022 420 85 81.

 

Read the visiting rules

 

In view of the high number of local requests that we receive, we would like to inform you that we can no longer welcome visitors from regions other than Switzerland or “Greater Geneva”.

Thank you for your understanding.

 

Where to find us