Balancing the development of renewable energies and the protection of biodiversity

Striking the right balance between the paradigms of renewable energy development and the need to preserve our increasingly threatened biodiversity is giving rise to numerous debates. To find out more, we interviewed Jonathan Fauriel, Head of Civil Engineering and Environment at Alpiq.

Social acceptance of the CO2-neutral energy transition in Switzerland is a real challenge. An energy supply based on renewable energies is only possible if the environment is protected. That's why Alpiq is committed to weighing up the interests of protecting the landscape and ensuring a secure supply of clean energy in Switzerland. The aim is to explain this balance of interests and to achieve good cooperation by involving our stakeholders ( at environmental, social and political level ) at an early stage. In this way, we can build a consensus to move projects forward. The hydropower round table projects are a good example of this.

Alpiq is committed to improving the climate by generating electricity from renewable energy sources. We minimise the impact on nature by trying, wherever possible, to develop renewable energies in areas where human activity is already existing.

Alpiq contributes to the protection of biodiversity and security of supply through:

• environmental compensation measures. For example, as part of the construction of the Nant de Drance power station, 14 ecological compensation measures amounting to CHF 22 million are being implemented. They recreate biotopes for local flora and fauna;  
• watercourse renaturation projects;  
• or measures to clean up watercourses.

Alpiq invests in the preservation of biodiversity and carries out numerous voluntary environmental protection initiatives.

In addition to environmental compensation measures, here are just a few examples:

• The Alpiq Ecological Fund. Since its creation in 2010, it has supported 100 biodiversity enhancement projects worth 7.7 million Swiss francs.
• The #PrixAlpiq awarded each year for a sustainable water management project in collaboration with Valais communes.
• Alpiq's partnership in several projects in the Trient Regional Nature Park, in particular the water management project.

The biodiversity initiative would restrict the development of renewable energies, making it more difficult for Alpiq to achieve its objectives of security of supply and climate protection.

This is also the intention of the Electricity Act, which was approved by almost 70% of the Swiss electorate and sets out a balanced framework for more clean Swiss electricity in harmony with nature and the landscape.