Vote on solar energy: Will Wallis pull the plug on the Solar Express?

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It is precisely in Valais that the Solar Express is threatened with an emergency shutdown. It was the Valais Council of States Beat Rieder (60) who wanted to accelerate the expansion of solar energy in the Alps. To this end, he has rushed a law through parliament. If he has his way, large solar systems in the mountains should be easily and generously subsidized to build. But time is of the essence: the systems must be at least partially operational by the end of 2025, otherwise there will be no money.

The canton of Valais also did not want to be left behind. Finally, promising projects were available in Grengiols US and Gondo US. That is why the canton wanted to issue permits more quickly with a solar decree. For example, only one objection is possible – and even if it is filed, the project can still proceed for now until a final decision is made. But now there is opposition.

“Not the most sensible for the environment and your wallet”

The canton will vote on the solar decree on Sunday – and Brigitte Wolf (56) is needed. As co-chair of the Valais Greens, she held the referendum together with environmental protection associations. The SP and SVP Unterwallis also support it. “The law was rushed through the cantonal council, without taking nature and landscape into account,” says Wolf to Blick. What irritates her most is that there are no concrete criteria. “It’s being built what’s fastest, not what makes the most sense for the environment and the wallet.”

In fact, there are no specific criteria for solar energy systems in the Alps in cantonal legislation. But the federal politicians around Rieder deliberately wanted that, so that there was more energy quickly. “The cantons issue the permits,” counters Wolf. “But you also have to be able to say no if a project is bad.”

threat of delays

A no would be a “phenomenal personal goal,” says Rieder. Solar energy has incredible potential. “People have to decide whether they want renewable energy from Switzerland, especially from Valais, or nuclear energy from France.”

He accuses the environmental organizations – “just like with the hunting law” – of a disinformation campaign. “National associations invest in very expensive campaigns in Valais, but obscure the real problem. With associated consequences.” Switzerland needs more energy. This requires solar energy in the Alps. “The alternative would be nuclear power stations, but nobody wants them either.”

If the opponents get through in Valais, the existing building applications will remain in force. But further objections are possible. Large solar projects in Grengiols or Gondo are likely to be delayed. How long is still unclear and depends on how many objections are received. However, it can be assumed that the landscape conservationists will oppose this. And Grengiols Solar has already become considerably smaller than originally planned.

Wolf hopes that the referendum will also have an impact beyond Valais. “National law is bad. There are no lines and the deadlines are unrealistically short.” She is convinced that Parliament in Bern will make improvements. “Then criteria must also be planned so that the ecologically and economically most sensible projects are built.”

Bern and Graubünden do things differently

But last year a real run on solar energy systems in the Alps started all over Switzerland. Projects are also underway in the cantons of Bern and Graubünden – the initiators have to hurry to get something out of the millions in funding.

However, Bern and Graubünden have a different way of implementing the Solar Express, says Jürg Rohrer, ZHAW professor for renewable energy and involved in energy projects himself. “In Bern, the canton itself looked for locations and went to the electricity suppliers. In Graubünden, the canton provides background support.”

It is still unclear whether this strategy will lead to greater adoption. “Objections are mainly raised because of the EIA. In most cases they are not yet available.” Rohrer believes some projects could deliver a first share of electricity by 2025. “On the other hand, I do not believe that the expansion capacity allowed by the legislator will be fully utilized.” (brother)

Source:Blick