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For new large photovoltaic systems in the mountains, the State Council Energy Commission also wants to scratch environmental protection. The Landscape Protection Foundation reacted with dismay.
The Environment and Energy Commission of the Council of States writes that electricity production urgently needs to be increased, especially in the winter months. This additional electricity production must be based on renewable energies.
Commission President Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP/JU) speaks of a clear political signal. The construction of photovoltaic systems on buildings, infrastructure and open spaces should be made possible quickly with an urgent federal law.
It is indeed a political sign that the emphasis must now urgently be placed on renewable energies.
The focus is on open areas in the mountains
For solar systems in open areas in the mountains, the Commission may even want to dispense with the planning and environmental impact assessment if the system is big enough and needed. In the case of alpine photovoltaics, biodiversity and electricity production can be combined, Baume-Schneider emphasizes: “It is important to weigh up the interests.” And yes, there may be compromises when it comes to protecting the landscape.
It can’t be that the entire legal system is overridden here.
At the Landscape Protection Foundation, Managing Director Raimund Rodewald reacted with dismay: “It can’t be that the entire legal system is overridden here. And not even temporarily, but definitely. The balancing of interests and democratic participation no longer take place. I’m already wondering where we are.” If the landscapes worthy of protection are not even mentioned, Rodewald fears that everything can be built anywhere.
The reactions of various members of the National Council’s sister commission, which for its part is discussing measures to ensure a secure power supply, are less violent.
Greens apparently ready to discuss
While the Green Party recently spoke out clearly against such an approach, its Thurgau National Councilor Kurt Egger is now openly saying: “We still have to look at the framework conditions, but it’s going in the right direction. Our position paper speaks of the proximity to existing infrastructure, where it does not interfere – such as around ski lifts. Then we can discuss it.”
It obviously only works that way – with an override.
On the other side of the political spectrum, in the SVP, Bernese National Councilor Albert Rösti warns: “If you look at what has been prevented from hydroelectric power plants and other production facilities in the last 20 years, it is obviously only possible in this way – with a suspension. Otherwise, particular interests outweigh the interests of the economy as a whole and of society as a whole.”
The decision of the Environment and Energy Commission of the Council of States is therefore welcomed as a step in the right direction. Baume-Schneider emphasizes that it is primarily a matter of creating a legal framework and thus giving companies and authorities planning and legal certainty.
Solar obligation for all new buildings with a final vote
The commission also decided that the federal government should also make its suitable areas – buildings and infrastructure – available for additional solar power. In addition, from the beginning of 2024 there will be a solar obligation for all new buildings. However, this decision was made in the Commission only with the casting vote of the President. The basics should be available by the fall session.