Hydro Alps Lab :
A key player in sustainable hydropower in Switzerland
A centre of excellence dedicated to applied research, innovation and training for a resilient energy future.
Structures and partnerships
The Hydro Alps Lab is anchored in a solid structure, guaranteeing scientific excellence, ethical research and fruitful collaboration with our partners.
The Hydro Alps Lab operates on the basis of a unique public-private partnership model, combining the academic expertise of the HES-SO Valais-Wallis with industry leaders in the hydroelectric sector. This hybrid structure enables us to develop solutions that are both scientifically robust and directly applicable in the field, while training the next generation of engineers.
Academic partner: HES-SO Valais-Wallis
Our academic base guarantees cutting-edge research, the integration of our discoveries into training programmes and an environment that is conducive to innovation.
Industrial Partners
Alpiq, FMV, HYDRO Exploitation, OIKEN - key players in Swiss hydropower who co-define our research areas and validate our solutions in the field.
Committees and memberships
This collaborative governance ensures the relevance of our research and its direct impact on current and future energy challenges, reinforcing our role as a leader in the field.
Member of the Federal Commission for Energy Research
Vice-chair of the IEA's TCP Hydropower programme and coordinator of the hidden potential of hydropower activities (Task 16).
Member of several committees (ETIP, EERA).
From Vision to Impact:
The evolution of Hydro Alps Lab
The Hydro Alps Lab is the fruit of a shared ambition to develop the hydroelectricity of the future, and has rapidly established itself as a key player. Discover our story.
2026 - A new horizon
Strengthened by the renewed confidence of our industrial partners, we are expanding our circle to integrate new members and meet the energy challenges of the future. tomorrow. Our team of experts supervises the next generation of researchers (postdocs, doctoral students, masters, etc.). and bachelors) to drive innovation in the field.
2021 - 2025 - Taking off
2021 brand A turning point: the official creation of the Hydro Alps Lab. This unique skills is the result of a strategic alliance between the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, Alpiq, FMV, HYDRO Exploitation and OIKEN. By setting up on the Energypolis campus, the Lab is boosting its experimental and digital capabilities, powering more than a dozen large-scale projects financed by Europe, the SFOE and the European Commission. and Innosuisse.
2014 - 2020 - Structured expertise
The arrival of new specialists in materials and high-performance computing transforms the initial group into a multidisciplinary centre. The Lab made a name for itself on the European scene with the XFLEX Hydro project, optimising the flexibility of large
power stations in Switzerland (Z'Mutt, FMHL) and Europe (Grand-Maison - EDF France; Alto Lindoso and Caniçada - EDP Portugal). He is also contributing to the SFOE's P+D HydroLEAP project, which focuses more specifically on the FMHL/FMHL+ and Ernen power stations in Switzerland.
2010 - 2014 - The roots
It all began at the HES-SO Valais with the desire to create a skills centre dedicated to hydropower, supported by The Ark Energy and Swiss Electric Research programmes. Very quickly, the first infrastructures were built, including an innovative test bench for the Duo Turbo counter-rotating micro-turbine, and the Lab put its expertise in digital simulation to good use in the European FP7 Hyperbole project.
What they say about us
Matthias Gäumann
CEO of Hydro Exploitation since 2025
Elmar Kämpfen
Director of Hydro Exploitation until 2024
Amédée Murisier
Head of Generation at Alpiq
Roberto Schmidt
Minister for Energy
Building the Future of Hydroelectricity Together
Do you have a project, a technological challenge or an idea for a partnership? The Hydro Alps Lab is the place to go.
The Hydro Alps Lab is always open to new synergies. Whether you are a company, a researcher, a student or an institution, we are ready to consider any proposal for collaboration that fits in with our areas of expertise and our values.
We offer a range of partnership arrangements to meet your specific needs:
Applied Research & Projects
Co-development of innovative solutions, participation in funded research consortia (national, European).
Services & Technical Expertise
Specific studies, diagnostics, modelling, optimisation and technical support for your installations.
Training & Skills Transfer
Organisation of tailor-made workshops, integration of your teams into our ongoing training courses, sharing of know-how.
Internships, Theses & Student Projects
Welcoming talented people for end-of-study projects, doctoral theses or internships within our teams.