Teaser image source: Roy Buri, Pixabay.com, public domain similar
The Nidwalden electricity company (EWN) is currently not pursuing two locations that were classified as suitable for alpine solar systems. Investigations have shown that the steep terrain represents too great a challenge for construction and financing.
Source: Roy Buri, Pixabay.com, public domain similar
Solar system. (symbol image)
The EWN announced on Thursday that comprehensive clarifications regarding feasibility and environmental compatibility had been carried out for both locations. It became apparent that the snow pressure, avalanches and slipping processes that occur due to the steep terrain, as well as the risk of falling rocks, represent a particular challenge for the construction and financing of the PV systems.
According to the EWN, these natural hazards could be controlled with the necessary safety measures using complex protective measures. However, the additional costs for these protective measures would be so expensive that they would not be economically viable under the current conditions.
The electricity company has therefore decided not to pursue the current projects any further for the time being. However, if the general conditions change at some point, the EWN will consider reactivating the projects, it emphasized.
Six locations analyzed
Last year, the Nidwalden cantonal electricity company (EWN) carried out potential assessments for large-scale Alpine photovoltaic systems in its network area and in the adjacent network area after the Federal Parliament simplified the framework conditions for Alpine photovoltaic systems in autumn 2022 and thus set the course for their expansion.
It analyzed six locations, two of which were classified as “very suitable”. However, where exactly these were located was not disclosed. The government then announced that it wanted to provide the best possible support for the construction of Alpine photovoltaic systems. A large-scale plant in Nidwalden would have a “pioneer character” and would be an important step towards sustainably optimizing the energy supply.
Suspension has become apparent
The suspension that has now been announced has unfortunately become apparent, said the responsible Nidwalden agriculture and environmental director Joe Christen (FDP), who sits ex officio on the EWN board of directors, at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency. He regretted this step, but emphasized that the projects remained on the agenda.
Even if it would be important to be able to implement solar projects above the fog line, the canton itself is not looking for other locations. “That’s the job of the investors,” said Christen. The canton is open to further ideas and is still prepared to support projects in the best possible way. The framework conditions for a rapid approval process for such systems in Nidwalden are in place. (sda/pb/mgt)
2024-01-18 21:42:51
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