Integrated development processes for hydropower and deep geothermal projects: Regulatory, political and participatory perspectives - Part ZHAW-INE
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- Projektteam : Yann Blumer, Lukas Braunreiter, Corinne Moser
- Projektstatus : abgeschlossen
- Drittmittelgeber : Innosuisse (Förderprogramm Energie / SCCER CREST)
Beschreibung
The Swiss energy strategy is based on a substantial expansion of
renewable energy supply. Of particularly high value are renewables
with controllable production levels, such as hydropower (HP) or
deep geothermal energy (DGE), as these can be used to complement
fluctuating sources. However, HP or DGE projects often encounter
difficulties during the planning and authorization phases, due to
complex authorization procedures and objections from local
communities, NGOs, or the general public. In addition, incentives
for investing in hydropower are strongly influenced by the
“Heimfall” regulations that stipulate an eventual partial transfer
of ownership.
The objective of the joint activity (JA) is to provide
recommendations how project development processes (in particular,
public engagement), the legislative framework and the governance
structure could be enhanced to facilitate the resolution of
conflicts among stakeholders and thus increase investments in HP
and DGE via a reduction of project risks. To this end, the JA will
analyze the set of stakeholders and their interests as well as the
governance structure and planning procedures of HP and DGE projects
at the example of several P+D projects of SCCER SoE. Furthermore,
the impacts of the “Heimfall” regulations on HP projects will be
studied. The research will involve the relevant cantons as well as
different stakeholders of these projects and will develop
guidelines for planning procedures for HP and DGE projects. It will
pay close attention to transferability within the Swiss context,
that is, results will be based on existing projects but will be
generalizable to other HP and DGE projects.
This work is based on a collaboration of legal and political
scientists, sociologists and social psychologists from SCCER SoE
and CREST as well as on a close interaction with existing P+D
projects and would thus not be feasible within a single SCCER. It
will contribute to the energy transition by recommending procedures
that reduce frictions and risks in developing HP and DGE projects.
Given the importance of both technologies in the Swiss context and
the current difficulties in developing new DGE projects and in
expanding HP, the development guidelines provided by this joint
activity are likely to be of considerable value.