Alpine Solar Park Development Stalls in Switzerland Amidst Bureaucracy and Economic Headwinds
Bern, switzerland – Plans for large-scale solar parks in the Swiss Alps are facing significant delays and uncertainty, casting doubt on their potential to bolster the nation’s energy security, according to a report by RTS. While initially touted as a solution to potential energy shortages, the projects are hampered by slow permitting processes, challenging construction conditions, and a less favorable economic climate.
The Confederation recognizes Alpine solar parks as being of national interest, but developers are navigating a complex web of environmental impact studies and required authorizations from municipal, cantonal, and federal bodies. A legal service in the State of Valais attributes delays, in part, to “poor quality files,” stemming from the novelty of these projects for all involved. Administrations are under political pressure to expedite approvals, but must adhere to established regulations to avoid potential legal challenges – a concern realized in Valais, where environmental organizations have already filed lawsuits against two of the three parks authorized to date.
despite these hurdles, some developers remain optimistic. Stéphane maret, director of the Valais Motive Forces, stated on the RTS forum show Friday that his belief in Alpine solar parks remains unchanged. “Structurally nothing has changed as 2021,” he said, adding that his company is pursuing eight projects, including four under their direct control, with plans to seek building permits and possibly begin construction on one project next year.
Maret emphasized the efficiency of high-altitude installations, citing tests showing a 2.7 times greater energy production on a sunny winter day at 2500 meters compared to plains-level installations. However, he acknowledged that economic factors are now the primary obstacle. “Today market prices are considerably lower than at the time of the shortage,” he noted, while drawing a parallel to the long-term investment inherent in large dam construction throughout the Alpine region.
Beyond permitting and economics, the report highlights unforeseen construction complexities in the unstable high-altitude surroundings, driving up costs. Combined with falling electricity market prices since the peak of the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic, the profitability of these projects has diminished.
As a result, some energy companies are reportedly considering delaying construction until market conditions improve, signaling a significant slowdown in the initial momentum surrounding alpine solar park development.
Sources: Romain Carrupt and Coralie Claude, Radio Subjects
Web text: hkr