Power Plants and Dams

Since the founding of the KWO in 1925, a complex system of power plants has been built up: nine power plants, eight storage dams (one of which is a natural lake), 150km of tunnels, hundreds of kilometres of pipes, roads and cable cars.

At the end of the 19th century, the potential of the Grimsel and Susten area was recognised in regard to the production of hydroelectricity: ample rainfall, large valleys, stable granite bedrock and huge altitude differences over short distances. After a long initial stage of studies and planing, the KWO with its domicile in Innertkirchen, was founded on 20th June 1925. The first power plant installations - Grimsel and Gelmer lakes and the Handeck power plant - were built between 1925 and 1932. Functioning just as strongly today - an impressive and complex power plant system has been developed.