Environmental Protection Solutions

Application

 Fish pass

Solution

~900 tonnes of EcoSheetPiles™

Sauveterre fish pass, Rhône river, FR | 2013

The construction of a fish passage at the Sauveterre power dam on the Rhône River is a pioneering ecological and engineering achievement.

Built by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) in partnership with Vinci, this unique project restores the migratory pathway for species such as eels and lampreys, which were previously blocked by the dam. Inaugurated in spring 2018, the 200-meter bypass not only facilitates fish migration but also integrates a 650 kW hydroelectric power plant and an underwater scientific observatory to monitor fish populations.

Project Highlights

  • Location: Sauveterre, Gard, France
  • Project Duration: 2015 - 2018
  • Total Cost: €17 million
  • Fish Passage Length: 200 meters
  • Hydroelectric Power Plant: 650 kW capacity
  • Sheet Piling: 900 tonnes of PU® EcoSheetPiles™ and 120 tonnes of foundation steel pipes

Construction Milestones

  1. 2013-2014: Obtaining construction permits, with groundbreaking in May 2014.
  2. 2015-2017: Phase-wise completion, including channel construction, water intake structures, the installation of a monitoring station, and the hydroelectric power plant.
  3. 2018: Final system trials for the fish passage and power plant, ensuring both ecological functionality and operational safety.

Environmental Significance

This fish passage is an essential part of CNR’s environmental strategy, enabling migratory species to traverse from the Mediterranean upstream to critical habitats along the Rhône. The addition of an underwater observatory also provides invaluable data for studying fish behavior and population health, reinforcing efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity. Through initiatives like the Sauveterre fish passage, CNR supports the ecosystem’s long-term resilience along the Rhône.

Partnerships and Funding

This project reflects the collaborative vision of the Rhône Plan. Key funding contributors include:

  • Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency: 41.48%
  • CNR: 39.84%
  • European Regional Development Fund: 11.6%
  • Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: 7.08%

ArcelorMittal Sheet Piling's Role

ArcelorMittal provided approximately 900 tonnes of PU® EcoSheetPiles™, produced from 100% recycled steel at the Belval mill, along with 120 tonnes of foundation steel pipes. These EcoSheetPiles™ are engineered to meet demanding environmental standards and deliver structural durability under complex hydraulic conditions, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

About the Stakeholders

  • CNR: The leading producer of 100% renewable energy in France, dedicated to sustainable development along the Rhône. CNR’s initiatives have resulted in over 600 eco-friendly projects since 2003.
  • Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency: This public entity funds and manages water protection and biodiversity efforts across the Rhône basin.
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region: Active in climate action and biodiversity, the region’s support underlines its commitment to sustainable water resources and ecosystem preservation.

Partnership and Funding

The Sauveterre Fish Passage Project reflects the collaborative effort of numerous stakeholders under the Plan Rhône, a regional initiative focused on sustainable development along the Rhône basin. This unique collaboration includes:

  • Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency: 41.48% of project funding
  • CNR: 39.84% of project funding
  • European Regional Development Fund: 11.6%
  • Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region: 7.08%

These contributions demonstrate a shared commitment to ecological restoration, renewable energy, and sustainable water resource management.

About the Project Stakeholders

  • CNR: As France’s leading producer of 100% renewable energy, CNR’s mission extends beyond energy production to include biodiversity protection, sustainable regional development, and community investment. Since 2003, CNR has initiated over 600 environmentally focused projects, including fish passages, renewable energy installations, and habitat restoration efforts along the Rhône River.
  • Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency: A public entity under the French Ministry of Environment, dedicated to safeguarding water resources, funding infrastructure projects that protect ecosystems and ensure sustainable water use.
  • Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: The region has championed a proactive climate plan, emphasizing water quality and biodiversity as vital components for resilience against climate change. Its support for the fish passage aligns with its broader climate adaptation initiatives.

Conclusion

The Sauveterre Fish Passage Project exemplifies sustainable infrastructure development by combining ecological restoration with renewable energy production. By providing a route for fish migration, the project reinforces biodiversity along the Rhône River while the hydroelectric component contributes clean energy to the local grid. Through projects like this, ArcelorMittal Sheet Piling is proud to support sustainable innovations that make an enduring positive impact on both the environment and communities.