Decision rejected: Wallis pulls the plug on Solarexpress

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The cantonal parliament approved the emergency law in February with a large majority. An alliance of left-wing parties, the SVP of Lower Valais and environmental associations rejected the referendum against it.

The Valais decree determined that the State Council would now be primarily responsible for building permits for large photovoltaic installations. The cantonal government would have replaced the cantonal building commission, which normally issues permits outside construction zones. The government wanted to speed up the process.

In the event of a complaint, the suspensive effect could also have been lifted. This means that a project is not automatically stopped in the event of an objection.

The vote on such large-scale projects in the Alpine landscape gained attention beyond the cantonal borders. It was an initial test of how voters think about the federal government’s “Solar Express.”

Due to a looming electricity shortage in winter, the federal government wants to accelerate the construction of large photovoltaic systems during a transition phase until the end of 2025 in the solar offensive adopted by parliament. The federal government promised generous subsidies for the systems.

To benefit from the financing, at least ten percent of the expected production of the entire planned system, or 10 gigawatt hours, must be returned to the grid by the end of 2025. The contribution from the federal government can amount to 60 percent of the total investment costs. So far, eight major photovoltaic projects have been announced in the Valais Alps. (SDA)

Source:Blick