Resistance to solar project in Valais

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It wasn’t until March in Valais that Switzerland’s largest alpine solar system was announced with much fanfare. In addition to the Grengiols-Solar project presented at the time, other energy projects are also planned in the Alps.

Fearing an energy shortage, parliament very quickly passed an urgent federal law in the autumn, according to which large power plants such as these with an annual minimum production of 20 GWh should in principle be allowed and subsidized. Projects by Gondo and Grengiols focused on that.

But the euphoria about these plans seems to be greater in parliament than in the mountain villages. In Valais, it is very likely that the population can now express its opinion on the solar offensive. The referendum against the so-called Valais sun decree is taking place, Brigitte Wolf, co-chair of the Valais Greens, told CH Media. “The 3,000 required signatures have been collected.” The committee intends to announce the exact number of signatures when the referendum is submitted next Wednesday.

Complaints without direct effect

The referendum was launched by the Greens and the environmental organization Pro Natura. If the referendum finds a majority, the expansion of alpine solar systems in the mountain canton will not be stopped, but above all, the approval process will be significantly slowed down.

The Valais Council of State wanted to speed up the process with the decree. He would be responsible for building permits instead of the cantonal building commission. Moreover, an appeal would no longer have suspensory effect.

Up to 30 projects in planning

There is a simple reason why the mountain cantons want to build plants so quickly now. To promote the construction of large solar systems, the federal government has also pledged federal grants. These are awarded according to the motto “first come, first served”.

In order for public money to flow into the solar energy projects, 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 plant should be fully operational by the end of 2030. If the projects are delayed due to objections, that is problematic.

Nationally, between 25 and 30 major solar projects are planned. Five of them are located in Valais – in Gondo, Grengiols, Ovronnaz, at the Grande Dixence and in the Vispertal. (she)

Source:Blick