The Champagne 2 run-of-river hydroelectric power plant went into operation in 1939 to power the Aosta steel plants. After more than 70 years of operation, it has undergone major renovations over the past decade, including the replacement of penstocks and three generator sets, as well as various improvements to the intake structure and the diversion canal.

The current generating sets consist of a generator powered by two Pelton turbines. Together they reach a capacity of 27 MW and are capable of producing 140 GWh annually.

The Champagne 2 plant uses a catchment area of 430 km², i.e., water collected in the La Salle reservoir, with the weir on the Dora Baltea River. The water energy continues its journey in an 11-km-long canal to the Introd forebay reservoir. Once the water leaves the plant, it also goes to feed the Aymavilles power plant.

The artificial lake has altered the original arid floodplain, creating a rich natural environment of special interest for the vegetation characteristic of the place and for the various species of birds, resident and migratory, that nest on the banks. The lake area and surrounding spaces, although limited in size, have since 1992 become a protected area called the Marais Nature Reserve.

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