Hydroelectric Power Station

This building was constructed between 1931 and 1934 by the concessionary company FHASA. The concession, granted in 1929 by the General Council, intended to exploit Andorra’s waters to manufacture electric energy in exchange for the construction of various highways. Work on the hydraulic infrastructures, the electric network and the highways was completed between 1930 and 1934. Inside the building, the most important elements in hydroelectric production are found: the groups (turbines and alternators) and the auxiliary equipment necessary for their proper functioning. Since August of 1934—when the station was put in service—and throughout many years, almost all of the energy produced was exported with high-voltage lines, first to Spain and later to France, to Adrall and Ospitalet, respectively.

Domestic consumption was very low. This situation has been changing along with Andorra’s growth, and in the 70s the station’s annual production was less than the country’s consumption. Presently, its production represents 15% of total consumption.

At first, there was only one electric distribution line for the entire country, which was directly connected to the station groups’ exit. Presently, there are around forty lines distributed in three different places (ETR in Encamp, in Ransol, in the Margineda and in Pas de la Casa), which improves supply security.

The station, industrial heritage

The hydroelectric power station’s complex represents the start of industrialization in Andorra and its entry into the 20th century with the construction of a road network and electricity supply to all of Andorra. The most notable thing was the possibility the country had of producing enough electric energy to grow, just as was demonstrated a few years later.

The volume of work generated in constructing the highways and the hydroelectric infrastructures meant a very important change in the country’s everyday life. Many immigrants who carried out the ground labour on this construction stayed, and almost every Andorran family participated, either directly or indirectly, in this colossal project.

Today, a legacy has been left: the power station, symbolizing Andorra’s industrial heritage.