Andorra's FEDA Plans 40MW Hydro Plant at l’Hospitalet with French Partners

Forces Elèctriques d’Andorra (FEDA) plans to build a new hydroelectric facility at l’Hospitalet, capable of generating up to 40 megawatts during periods of high market prices. FEDA’s director general, Sílvia Calvó, outlined the project during a visit by French co-prince Emmanuel Macron to the company’s installations.

The cross-border initiative, involving collaboration with Électricité de France (EDF) and French water agencies, aims to meet Andorra’s winter energy needs while supporting environmental goals. Calvó explained that the plant would produce power in winter, with summer water recovery aiding ecological flows in the Garona river. It will operate flexibly, like a natural battery: excess or low-price electricity will pump water from the Ariège river to Lac de Lanoux, France’s largest Pyrenean lake, for later release to generate electricity during peak demand.

Macron urged all parties to accelerate timelines, calling it a “magnificent example of collaboration” between neighbours and a strategy for renewables. He showed keen interest in financing—initial discussions suggest a 60-40 split—and asked for progress on production sharing, which remains undecided. EDF’s director general, Bernard Fontana, described it as beneficial for both sides, providing Andorra a winter energy edge.

The project is in early stages. Calvó said the preliminary design, legal, economic and financial framework should be ready by 2027, though full completion is projected for 2030-2032 due to technical complexity. Production allocation and exact internal consumption coverage are still under negotiation.

During the visit, attended by Head of Government Xavier Espot and ministers, Macron also learned about Andorra’s energy mix—hydroelectric, solar and future wind covering about 10%—which meets 23% of average demand but drops to 10% in winter. The country relies on imports, including up to 40% from EDF during crises.

Separately, the Adrall interconnection with Spain advances, with works underway near the border on a 220 kV double-circuit line and transformer station, funded by the European Investment Bank and due by 2029. The France link is already complete. These efforts support Andorra’s 2030 electric grid decarbonisation goal while keeping tariffs competitive.