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How did the Grand Canal dā€™Alsace improve navigation and power generation on the Rhine River?

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Physical map of Western and Central Europe highlighting the drainage basins and networks of the Rhine, Rhone, and Seine rivers. The map shows river courses, major tributaries, canals, elevation changes with color shading, international boundaries, and key cities such as Paris, Lyon, Basel, and Rotterdam. A locator inset in the upper left corner places the main map within Europe.
Rhine River

The Grand Canal dā€™Alsace was constructed to address significant obstacles to Rhine River navigation, specifically the dangerous shallows and rapid currents that previously hindered travel.1

By providing a controlled waterway, the canal facilitates reliable navigation between Basel, Switzerland, and Breisach, Germany, effectively increasing traffic upstream from Strasbourg.1

In addition to improving transit, the canal serves as a source of hydroelectric power, which is generated at the locks integrated into the canal's design.1