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Vicat construction site for the Spitallamm dam on Lake Grimsel
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Vicat

The sustainable construction of the Spitallamm dam on Lake Grimsel

27 May 2025

Completed a few months ago, we look back with pride on this major project, for which our Swiss subsidiary had the honor of supplying high-quality cement.

A major project for our Swiss subsidiary Vigier Ciment

The Spitallamm dam on Lake Grimsel was completed a few months ago. With snowmelt imminent, filling of the reservoir will begin, a process that will take some time before commissioning. The new double-curvature arch dam replaces the nearly 90-year-old structure and ensures the sustainable harnessing of the Grimsel lake's hydropower. We look back with pride on this major project, for which our subsidiary Vigier Ciment had the honor of supplying high-quality cement.

The history of the Grimsel dam

The Grimsel dam in the Swiss Alps is a landmark of the 20th-century hydraulic engineering. Originally built in the 1930s, the dam has played a crucial role in the production of hydroelectric power, contributing to the region's energy autonomy. Since its commissioning, it has kept pace with technological developments while meeting contemporary environmental requirements.

Sustainable renovation by our Swiss subsidiary

This ambitious project was launched to ensure the longevity of this essential infrastructure. It is characterized by the use of construction materials with low environmental impact, while guaranteeing the quality and durability of the cement used. Our Group, renowned for its long-standing expertise in the building materials sector, was chosen to supply a cement specially formulated to meet the requirements of the site. This innovative cement not only ensures the structural strength of the dam, but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with the work. Thanks to this innovative approach, the renovation of the Grimsel dam is part of a responsible approach that reconciles technical performance and respect for the environment. The project as a whole highlights the importance of regular maintenance and constant adaptation of hydraulic infrastructures to today's climatic challenges. In this way, the Grimsel dam remains a symbol of technical progress and sustainability, perfectly illustrating how industrial heritage can evolve thanks to respectful and innovative practices.

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