Hydropower Potential in the Periglacial Environment of Switzerland under Climate Change

Abstract

Abstract:Hydropower is the most important domestic source of renewable energy in Switzerland. Many reservoirs are located in the periglacial environment of the Swiss Alps. Climate change and the changeover to a new energy system will challenge the existing infrastructure, but will also provide perspectives for new hydropower plants (HPPs). This study presents a framework for the systematic analysis of the hydropower potential of the periglacial Swiss Alps. The results are referenced to the Swiss Energy Strategy and other potential courses of action, such as upgrade of existing infrastructure. An evaluation matrix with 16 economical, environmental and social criteria for the consistent rating of all feasible sites is proposed. All criteria and their ratings are explained. It is demonstrated that the chosen methodology leads to a relatively stable ranking even for significantly different weighting models. Although being affected by uncertainties and remaining challenges, the methodology and results are sufficiently detailed for decision-making. Therefore, recommendations for future hydropower investments can be given. The results are strongly linked to Swiss boundary conditions, but the methodology itself is generally applicable for all glaciers worldwide, if the required input data are available.

Social Acceptance of a Multi-Purpose Reservoir in a Recently Deglaciated Landscape in the Swiss Alps

“…The study of Ehrbar et al [11] has rated the Trift Glacier as "the best-rated reservoir, as it does not affect a protected area, it is invisible from settlement areas, and still provides a high annual electricity production", but the ratings are "generally subjective and were based on personal experience". The results of this article contribute empirical evidence that confirms this rating and supplements them with process-related and contextual factors.…”

“…However, new dam projects often face various conflicts due to their impact on nature, biodiversity, and the landscape [8,9]. These conflicts will intensify in the future because most of the potential sites for dams are already built up, and it is necessary to penetrate into areas that deserve protection, such as recently deglaciated high mountain areas [10,11].…”

Continuous Seasonal and Large-Scale Periglacial Reservoir Sedimentation

“…This allows for long-term simulations over seasons to decades and a large set of model runs which, amongst others, is a prerequisite for Monte Carlo simulations to assess uncertainty in a probabilistic framework. Long-term simulations have already been performed for other reservoirs to predict future sedimentation patterns, e.g., for a potential future reservoir at Gorner glacier in Switzerland [67]. In Gebidem reservoir, such simulations cannot be made, however, because the reservoir would be filled within a 20-30 years only, which inherently makes long-term simulations impossible (without integrating flushing operations); however, Monte Carlo simulations would be possible, for example, to study the global sensitivity of uncertain parameters.…”

The Corporate Social Responsibility of Hydropower Companies in Alpine Regions—Theory and Policy Recommendations

“…At the same time, HP companies and regions face various challenges. Those involve the competing use of land and water resources between HP, tourism and agriculture, as well as new tasks and uncertainties related to energy markets, climate change and the phasing out of nuclear energy [44,48,[65][66][67][68][69][70][71]. In addition, the renewal and reversion of water concessions, respectively, as well as the design of future water fees and taxes may induce a new era of HP utilization [14,56,[72][73][74], bring about new institutional settings and need new forms of governance.…”