Referendum against rapid construction of solar parks closed

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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 quickly passed an urgent federal law in the autumn. Among other things, it facilitated the construction of large solar power plants in the Valais Alps. The Valais Greens, together with Pro Natura and seven other organizations, have collected signatures against the accompanying decree.

More than 5000 signatures collected

And indeed: in Valais, the voter has the last word – and can decide on the simplified construction of large solar power plants. The referendum has taken place.

At the end of the three-month period, 5,955 signatures had been collected against the decree, of which 5,501 were authenticated by the municipalities. That is almost twice as much as needed. “The number of signatures collected is a first success,” several referendum leaders told Keystone-SDA news agency on Wednesday.

The Valais government can issue permits

The Grand Council approved the corresponding decree in February by a vote of 87 to 41. This serves as the basis for the cantonal application of the amended Energy Act at the end of September.

The text now gives the Wallis government the power to decide on dossiers related to major solar systems. This instead of the cantonal building commission, which normally issues these permits outside the building zones. In the event of a complaint, it must also be possible to lift the suspensory effect.

opposition to the decree

To promote the construction of large solar systems, the federal government has pledged grants of up to 60 percent of investments when they are commissioned by the end of 2025. Since then, several large solar projects have been planned in the mountain canton, which sees itself as a pioneer in the solar offensive.

There is now resistance to that. “It is a sign of the people,” said Céline Dessimoz (48), leader of the Greens in the Grand Council. “It’s a sign that you can’t just change the rules of the construction industry just because there’s a bonanza from the federal government. It’s also a first no to those high-altitude mega solar panels,” she added. (SDA /oco)

Source:Blick