The canton of Uri has announced that it has achieved a milestone in terms of its energy policy: according to a press release, the canton has ensured that lakes and rivers in need of protection will not be damaged by the generation of energy from renewable sources. Regulations have now been implemented to legally protect all bodies of water from harm of this kind.
While the canton of Uri is keen to “significantly increase” the share of renewable energies in energy production, it is also focused on ensuring environmental protection. To resolve possible conflicts of interest between these two ambitions, the canton of Uri “has conducted pioneering work across Switzerland”.
The basis for this is the protection and usage concept for renewable energies (SNEE) devised back in 2013. It was created in close cooperation with the health, social, environmental, justice and construction authorities. The SNEE shows where solar, hydro and wind energy can be recovered in the future and where water landscapes and waterways should remain untouched. The SNEE has been set up to run for a period of 40 years. Periodic impact reports will aim to reveal whether goals have been achieved.
The practical implementation of the SNEE has been “a huge success”, the canton of Uri states in its press release. Over recent years, various new hydroelectric plants have been constructed in the canton of Uri, while at the same time key natural landscapes have been safeguarded.
“The SNEE works”, comments Roger Nager, head of the cantonal construction department, in the press release, before adding: “It shows that the canton of Uri is actively committed to a future with increased renewable energies while also taking account of environmental protection aspects”. The policy has also been effective in terms of “the collaboration between authorities, project organizers and environmental associations”, Nager concludes.
