EDF Hydro Sud-Ouest, the first producer of renewable energies, has created several exploration areas on its territory, such as in Pragnères.
Allowing the general public to discover this exceptional industrial heritage, the latest technologies and all the environmental conservation work carried out around these exceptional works: this is the desire of those responsible, particularly on the site of the Pragner hydroelectric power station.
“The idea was to add more to the traditional visits that had been made until then, when people or groups were received by a guide who explained to them the work of these hydroelectric power stations, of which the Pragner is the most important and important, the course of the water in the pens, and the presentation of the different dams, before leading them to the engine room,” explain those who conceived this new type of visit.
Odyssey: A unique experience
Due 2021, there are many hidden secrets in the center, or early, for those who have access to the Odyssey offline: comment on visiting the device and increasing the reality of this higher electrical production capacity, thanks to the power water.
An idea that matured and came to fruition after two years of co-construction with the Gavarni Valley Tourism Agency and other local partners and stakeholders in the tourism sector.
That's why the Odysselec Pragnères 4.0 was launched three years ago and is still attracting audiences.
A larger-than-life immersion in the heart of this emblematic plant, its workings but also its environment and everything that contributes to the production of electricity from the speed of water: “Come and discover the engine room in operation, go up to the pumping station by cable car and sit in the helicopter to go to the Cap de Longue dam. The journey, which takes a few minutes, is made possible thanks to this virtual reality headset that makes these visits very rich.
Water collection
Tourists, as well as locals, can learn about all the production stages linked to this industrial heritage of the Gavarnie Valley, one of the most important centres of the Pyrenees: “Go and discover the ‘water harvesting’ and operation of the hydroelectric development project, following in the footsteps of the Pyrenean dam builders and EDF hydraulic engineers, equipped with helmets, take the cable car to the pumping station located at 1,700 metres and take a helicopter tour over the dams, as if you were there.
Discover water harvesting, how hydropower development works, and hydraulics. A great adventure to share with family or friends!
