Sustainability

Hydroelectric power stations Jakobshorn

Davos Klosters Mountains logo in blue round button | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Davos Klosters Mountains
10.04.2021

Starting point

Dual use of the pipelines on Jakobshorn

In order to facilitate snowmaking on Jakobshorn, pipes were installed from Jschalp to the slopes. During the winter season, water is pumped up through these pipes using pressure pumps.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, an idea was born from that: add turbines to the existing infrastructure to produce sustainable electricity from hydropower.

Project description

Electricity generation with water and turbines

Initially, two turbines were installed, and over the course of two years, additional infrastructure was added to the existing snowmaking system to allow for the production of green electricity. This innovative approach has allowed for the utilisation of existing investments in snowmaking to create an additional source of clean energy. The overflow from captured drinking water sources is channelled through pipes and passes through turbines, generating electrical energy. This energy is then fed into the local power grid, ultimately providing electricity to households in the surrounding area. The two power plants generate 800,000 kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 200 households per year.

Result

Sustainable electricity for the population

The expansion of hydroelectric power plants has created important locations for generating renewable energy in Davos. Thanks to this development, sustainable electricity now powers local households and illuminates a significant portion of the region. The hydroelectric plants utilise spring water to generate electricity for most of the year, with the exception of snow periods.

The collected water is used to produce electricity at the hydroelectric power plant Jschalp . | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Pressure indicator water pump Jakobshorn | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Pump from the Ischalp pumped storage power station | © Davos Klosters Mountains
Location

Jakobshorn
Brämabüelstrasse 11
7270 Davos

Intention

Energy production – The addition of new turbines will allow for the utilisation of existing pipes used for snowmaking to generate sustainable electricity.

Year 2018
Annual yield 800´000 kWh