Klingnau Aare power plant: modernisation enables higher electricity production

15.01.225 - The Aare power plant in Klingnau has been reliably producing electricity for almost 90 years. From 2026, Axpo and AEW Energie AG will be renewing the turbines and generators and investing CHF 71 million to do so. This will increase electricity production by around 11 per cent. 

The Klingnau Aare power plant (AKA) has been in operation since 1935 with an installed capacity of 43 MW. Since then, it has produced an average of 210 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity per year. The planned replacement of the three generators and the overhaul of the three turbines will further increase the high availability of the power plant. In addition, the revised turbines will be able to process more water for electricity production. This will increase average annual production by around 11 per cent to 230 million kilowatt hours. This corresponds to the electricity requirements of over 55,000 four-person households. 

Significant investment in renewable energies

Axpo and AEW Energie AG are investing around 71 million Swiss francs in the modernisation, thus underlining their commitment to security of supply and renewable energies. 

Axpo invests large sums in the Swiss electricity infrastructure every year and once again covered around 40 per cent of Switzerland's electricity requirements in the 2023/24 financial year. The focus of AEW's investments for security of supply in the areas of production and grid is in the canton of Aargau, where it supplies around 103,000 customers with electricity.

Due to their long service life, a fundamental modernisation of AKA's production facilities has become necessary. From 2026, the three machine groups - consisting of turbines and generators - will be overhauled or replaced in stages. This will take around six years. During this time, the power plant will remain in operation on a partially reduced basis. AKA will return to full operation from 2032.  

The AKA is a partner plant operated by Axpo (60%) and AEW Energie AG (40%). The concession was renewed in 2015 and runs for 60 years until 2075. 

About Axpo

Axpo is driven by a single purpose – to enable a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. Axpo is Switzerland's largest energy producer and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Axpo combines the experience and expertise of more than 7,000 employees who are driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration and impactful change. Using cutting-edge technologies, Axpo innovates to meet the evolving needs of its customers in over 30 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.

Additional Information 

Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications
T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland) | T +41 56 200 41 10 (International) (Available 8.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.) medien@axpo.com

About AEW Energie AG

AEW Energie AG is an independent company of the Canton of Aargau. With its secure and climate-friendly energy supply, AEW makes a significant contribution to the attractiveness of the location and the quality of life in the region. It aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 at the latest. As an integrated energy service provider, AEW is involved in the production of electricity and heating/cooling as well as being a leading grid operator and supplier for its customers. For electricity production, AEW focusses on hydropower, solar and wind energy. It also provides services in grid and energy-related areas as well as in telecommunications. 

Further information and downloads can be found at www.aew.ch.