Potain tower crane works hydropower upgrade in Italian Alps

The Hône 2 hydroelectric plant has powered the Aosta Valley in Italy for over a century. Now it’s getting an upgrade.

And a Potain MDT 269 J12 flat top tower crane is supporting the reconstruction of the century-old hydropower plant which, once complete, will double its annual energy production from 50 to 100 GWh.

The reconstruction is part of a broader €156 million (US$180 million) revamping programme by regional energy company Compagnia Valdostana delle Acque, with work running through 2028. The facility was originally constructed and commissioned in 1919 and is currently operated by Spanish energy company CVA SpA.

Potain MDT 269 J12 topless tower crane working the reconstruction of the Hône 2 hydroelectric plant in the Aosta Valley, Italy. Photo: Manitowoc

The MDT 269 J12, supplied by Italian Potain dealer Fissolo Gru to main contractor Cogeis, is focused on installing a new high-capacity penstock, handling sections from the storage area and moving them directly to the construction cableway, cutting out several intermediate handling steps in the process.

The MDT 269 is working with a 65-metre jib at 50 metres hook height, lifting around 3 tonnes at maximum radius.

“This crane is essential due to its versatility and ability to optimise logistics,” said Gabriele Bertino of Cogeis. “By enabling direct handling of penstock sections, it eliminates several intermediate steps and allows us to manage construction operations more efficiently.”

The project, which began in July 2025, also involves excavating an eight-kilometre tunnel and rebuilding the plant’s intake structure.

Once the Hône 2 project wraps, the MDT 269 is earmarked for the planned Cervinia 3S ropeway project; another high-altitude infrastructure job in the Alps.

Photos: Manitowoc