Our approach
Discovering and understanding
Transforming the energy of water, wind and sun into renewable electricity has been our trade and passion for more than 90 years!
By opening the doors of our hydropower plants of Génissiat (Ain/Haute-Savoie) and Bollène (Vaucluse), and of our wind farms and solar power plants all over France, we invite you to discover the fascinating world of renewable energies and share our passion. Our ambition is to surprise and enthuse you by showing you these sites.
Our production sites of Génissiat and Bollène, genuine architectural masterpieces, were commissioned in 1948 and 1952 respectively. Loaded with national and local history, they are real living heritage sites. During a captivating guided visit, you will understand the essence of CNR, the history of these symbolic sites and the process of producing renewable energy from natural resources: water, wind and sun. You will be astonished by the scenography, which showcases pedagogical explanations, inspiring films and interactive models. Our wind farms and solar power plants have also been open to schoolchildren since 2022.
To enhance the visits to our exceptional industrial sites, you can visit our energy workshops designed for primary school pupils, as well as our pedagogical resources platform At the Source to continue your exploration.
Contributing to the touristic attraction of the Rhone Valley
With the opening to visits of our industrial sites and as a partners of the territories crossed by the River Rhone, we participate in enhancing the local touristic offer, by exploiting our industrial heritage.
This project developed in the framework of our missions in the general interest, was designed in close consultation with the local authorities. It also responds to strong expectations of the local population to discover or rediscover these sites that have shaped the landscape and contributed to the economic dynamism of the territories.
Elsewhere in the Rhone Valley, you will also discover pedagogical signposting close to our hydropower structures, points of environmental interest and heritage sites that punctuate and recount the history of this river that joins us together.
What is CNR
CNR (Compagnie Nationale du Rhône) is France’s leading producer of 100% renewable electricity with an installed capacity of 4,000 MW.
CNR transforms the energy of the Rhone’s water. It has held the concession since 1934 and also exploits the energy of the wind and sun with 120 wind farms and solar power plants in France. This energy production activity allows it to finance its other two historic missions – managing and developing river transport and irrigating farmland – and its missions in the general interest (5Rhône Plans).
CNR is the only joint stock company in the general interest in France. Its capital is mostly public (183 local authorities, Group Caisse des Dépôts) while ENGIE is its main industrial shareholder. The Rhone Development law of 28 February 2022 extended CNR’s concession until 2041.