The topography of Switzerland offers numerous possibilities for exploiting HEP. The type of technology used to generate energy depends on the geographical situation and water flow.

Various special types of hydropower plant aside, the three “classic” types are: high-head storage plants, pumped storage plants and low-head run-of-river plants.

Together with thermal power plants, run-of-river hydropower plants cover all basic power needs, otherwise known as off-peak energy. Strongly fluctuating peak demand is covered by the easily regulated storage power plants located in the Alps.