Large reserves of water

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Grande Dixence, the largest hydroelectric plant in Switzerland. The reservoir contains 400 million cubic metres of water, a fifth of the country's storable energy. Keystone

Grande Dixence Inside Grande Dixence. Keystone

Grande Dixance Checking the pipes inside Grande Dixence. Keystone

The Limerensee and dam in canton Glarus. Keystone

The Sellasee Dam is near the Gotthard Pass in canton Ticino. Keystone

The dam wall of the Lac de l'Hongrin, near Chateau-d'Oex in canton Vaud. Keystone

The lake formed by the Verzasca Dam. Keystone

Pipes heading to and from the Verzasca Dam. Emanuel Ammon/AURA

The turbines in the Oberhasli power plant in canton Bern. Keystone

The Grimselsee Dam in the Bernese Oberland. Keystone

The dam wall of the Lago da l'Albigna, near Vicosoprano in canton Graubünden. Keystone

The transformer station at the Oberhasli power plant. Keystone

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In Switzerland, about 200 water reservoirs provide more than 30 per cent of electricity consumed.

With its mountains and considerable rainfall, Switzerland has ideal conditions for harnessing hydropower. Built since the late 19th century, hydroelectric plants increased in particular between 1945 and 1970. In addition to providing energy, artificial lakes serve several other purposes: the regulation of river water, flood reduction, the supply of water for irrigation, fish farms and so on.