The Grand Canal of Alsace (French: Grand Canal d'Alsace, German: Rheinseitenkanal) is a canal in eastern France, channeling the Rhine river. It is 50 kilometers (about 30 miles) long. It provides access to the region from the Rhine River, Basel in Switzerland, and the North Sea for barges of up to 1,350 metric tons. Construction began in 1932 and was completed after World War II. The canal diverted much of the water from the original bed of the fast-flowing Rhine in this area, which is now almost entirely unnavigable by boats. The Grand Canal produces hydroelectric power at Kembs and Ottmarsheim to supply electricity to one of the most heavily industrialized regions in France. It has also ruined the ecology of the area permanently.
