PRESS RELEASE
Clean energy from the Arno River
Hydroalp and Mecc Alte launch the video story of the Arno Project: a testament to sustainability, heritage, and collaboration.
Borgo Chiese (Italy), 28/02/2025 – Hydroalp and Mecc Alte are proud to announce the launch of the video story celebrating the Arno Project, an ambitious initiative driven by the Tuscany Region to restore and repurpose the historic weirs along the Arno River. This landmark project combines sustainability and cultural heritage preservation, creating a significant positive impact on the environment while addressing the needs of local communities.
Hydroalp has been at the forefront of this project, collaborating with PAC S.p.A., the EPC contractor, to design and supply the power generation and automation systems for all 12 plants. This comprehensive approach treated the 12 power plants as a single project, integrating the unique hydrological features of the Arno to maximize efficiency and impact.
Central to the success of the Arno Project is Hydroalp’s strategic partnership with Mecc Alte, a global leader in high-quality alternator production. Mecc Alte’s power generation systems, crafted through their vertically integrated production process, ensured unmatched reliability and efficiency for the plants.
The Arno project spans 55 kilometers between Incisa and Le Signe and involves the construction of 12 hydropower plants that will generate 55 GWh of energy annually, meeting the energy needs of approximately 20,000 families and saving around 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions every year. The innovative design ensures hydraulic safety along the river while establishing ecological corridors to protect aquatic life.
The restored weirs, originally built centuries ago to harness water for mechanical power, has been transformed into state-of-the-art hydroelectric plants. Featuring Kaplan turbines optimized for construction and maintenance, these plants ensure minimal environmental impact with sustainable water cycles that return flow directly to the river. Fish ladders and large water basins further enhance biodiversity and sustainability.
Three plants, Incisa, Compiobbi, and Traversa dell’Isolotto, are already operational. The remaining nine plants are under construction and are expected to be operational by 2025, through a project financing agreement with Iniziative Toscane.
This video-story showcases the dedication, technical skills, and collaborative spirit that defined the Arno project. From the passion of Hydroalp’s team to the strategic contributions of Mecc Alte, the project highlights how partnerships and advanced technology can drive sustainable growth and innovation in the hydropower sector.
Watch the full video now to experience the Arno Project journey firsthand: Clean energy from the Arno River
About Mecc Alte
Mecc Alte is a global company specializing in the production of high-quality alternators, with a capacity range from 1 to 5,000 kVA. Founded in 1947 by Mario Carraro, the company has grown to become an international leader, with manufacturing plants in Italy, the United Kingdom, India, and China. Mecc Alte stands out for its independence, full control over every production phase, and a strong focus on research, design, and the development of innovative solutions for the energy sector. With a skilled workforce of over 1,200 employees, the company is committed to providing reliable products and excellent after-sales service worldwide.
About Hydroalp
Hydroalp, an EPC contractor in the renewable energy sector, was born in 2015, inspired by the Alps for the values of innovation, sustainability, and integration that they represent. These values can contribute to the sustainable development of energy resources, preserving and enhancing the environment for future generations. Thanks to the long-standing experience and expertise of its technical department, Hydroalp has grown and acquired a prominent position in the market for the construction of turbines and hydropower plants, revamping activities, and maintenance. Thanks to its experience as an EPC, Hydroalp has recently structured itself with a new division specialised in the construction of turnkey plants for the production of green hydrogen. Furthermore, with the acquisition of Al.fa. Impianti, a company with more than thirty years of experience in the production of modular skid systems, Hydroalp has implemented its offer of services and technological expertise, proposing itself as a supplier of plant components related to the management of fluids, gas, biofuel, and innovative fuels (biomethane, methanol, ammonia, and green hydrogen) aimed at the energy, transport, and marine sectors.
The company is part of BM Group, an industrial group headquartered in Borgo Chiese (TN) that combines companies specialising in digital and environmental technologies for industry. BM Group today has more than 350 direct employees located in the various Italian and foreign branches, working within three macro-areas of specialisation: automation, mechatronics, and renewable energy.
For more information:
- Mecc Alte | Press office: Kateryna Kotova, Specialista marketing operativo
kateryna.kotova@meccalte.it
https://www.meccalte.com/it/home
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/meccalte/
- Hydroalp | BM Group press office: Anna Zoppirolli, Chief Marketing Officer zoppirolli@bmgroup.com