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Conference report

International conference on balancing renewable energy and nature in the Alps

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Mid-Term conference of recharge.green

12-13 November 2013 in Brig/CH

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Authors: Marianne Badura, Giulia Garegnani, Aleš Poljanec, Rok Pisek, Florian Kraxner, Peter Tramberend, Katharina Spannraft

This report was elaborated within the recharge.green project, funded by the EU within the framework of the European Territorial Cooperation Alpine Space Programme and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Copyright © 2014, recharge.green.

Design: Karen Schillig, Katharina Spannraft

This work is subject to copyright. All rights reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned. The report is available for download: http://www.recharge-green.eu/downloads/

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The project recharge.green

The Alps have great potential as a source of renewable energy and could contribute significantly to mitigation of climate change. This role, however, may mean increasing pressure on nature.

How might such decisions influence the habitats of animals and plants? How do they affect land use and soil quality? How much renewable energy can reasonably be used? The project recharge.green brings together 15 partners to develop strategies and tools for decision-making on such issues. The analysis and comparison of the costs and benefits of renewable energy, ecosystem services, and potential trade-offs is a key component in this process. The project will last from October 2012 to June 2015 and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund in the Alpine Space Programme.

The mid-term conference, which took place after 14 months of project implementation, was an important first milestone during the project’s lifetime. From 12-13 November 2013, the project partners presented initial results at the international conference in Brig/CH. Together with representatives from nature conservation, the energy sector and administrations, the goals and activities within the project were discussed. There were interesting discussions about renewable energy production and upcoming conflicts with nature. The pilot areas of the project presented their regional case studies and experiences within a world café and a poster session.

The outcome of the conference is summarised in this report.

Team of recharge.green in Bohinj, Slovenia

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Content

1. Conference Programme ................................................................................................ 6

2. Conference Conclusions ............................................................................................... 7

3. Summary of expert presentations .................................................................................. 8

3.1 Energy turnaround and political constraints – national perspective from different Alpine states ....................................................................................................................8

3.2 Italian hydropower production: from rent maximization to environmental sustainability .................................................................................................................. 10

3.3 Balancing biomass and biodiversity in protected areas; the Triglav National Park case study ..................................................................................................................... 12

3.4 Wind energy in Switzerland and particular challenges of nature conservation ........ 15

3.5 Keeping the balance in the Alps: bioenergy targets versus ecosystems services ... 16

4. Poster Session - Exchange and discussions ............................................................... 19

5. Panel discussion ......................................................................................................... 20

6. World Café .................................................................................................................. 23

6.1 Pilot area Triglav National Park ............................................................................... 24

6.2 Pilot area Bavaria ................................................................................................... 25

6.3 Pilot area Vorarlberg ............................................................................................... 26

6.4 Pilot area Province of Belluno ................................................................................. 27

7. Excursion .................................................................................................................... 29

8. Interviews .................................................................................................................... 32

8.1 „I have high hopes in recharge.green!” ................................................................... 32

8.2 “Municipalities need precise analyses” ................................................................... 33

9. Outlook on platforms and future project activities ........................................................ 34

10. Annex: Posters of the poster session .......................................................................... 35

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1. Conference Programme

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2. Conference Conclusions

Demanding yet promising: the recharge.green mid-term conference

The recharge.green mid-term conference was held in Brig, Switzerland, from the 12 - 13 November 2013. The “International conference on balancing renewable energy and nature in the Alps” welcomed project partners, observers and over 60 representatives from nature conservation organisations, the energy industry, administrations and science from all over the Alpine space.

At the conference the initial project results were presented and discussed with the participants. Results, experiences and solutions from other projects were similarly discussed in order to come to an understanding concerning instruments for a sustainable energy transition. A wide-ranging programme accompanied the presentations: conflicts and co-benefits in pilot areas were the centre of attention in the informative poster session and in the world café. Swiss representatives from the energy sector, politics and nature conservation shared opinions and future intentions during a lively panel discussion. The excursion to the Goms energy region showed participants different power stations where renewable energy is being produced in innovative ways.

The discussions showed that there is a clear demand for a holistic planning approach that involves local residents at all stages of the process.

Other central findings of the conference were:

• decisions to implement the energy transition should not be made under time pressure but in agreement with a broad –based forward-looking strategy,

• the selection of locations for the production of renewable energy must be given due consideration at a supra-regional level and not, as is often the case, merely at a local project level: the recharge.green decision support system will have universal applicability and is thus well-suited for use in planning operations,

• as yet there is no objective, comprehensive model for the decision making process regarding the use of renewable energy in the Alpine space: the recharge.green toolkit will offer instruments for holistic planning and objective decision-making.

The manifold viewpoints expressed during the conference highlight that the recharge.green objectives are right on track. However, the tools developed by the project can only fulfil their purpose in combination with a political will to actually consult science-based decision support systems in energy planning processes.

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3. Summary of expert presentations

3.1 Energy turnaround and political constraints – national perspective from different Alpine states

Speaker: Markus Reiterer

Secretary General of the Alpine Convention, Innsbruck/Austria

recharge.green develops a decision support tool for stakeholders. The legal frameworks and directives for the use of renewable energy in the Alps have already been set in the Energy Protocol of the Alpine Convention and are discussed in the “Energy platform”. Markus Reiterer shows the frame of alpine energy policy.

The presentation included an introduction to the most important articles of the Energy Protocol of the Alpine Convention that deal with the use and production of renewable energy. It emphasized that the Alpine Convention is a Framework Convention that aims to identify methods for the production, distribution and use of renewable energy resources. The goal is to find methods that have reduced or negligible impact on the countryside and are as environmentally compatible as possible. Energy efficiency and energy savings play a role, and the promotion of both topics are considered to be central. Particular focus is put on the option to reduce absolute consumption of energy when discussing the trade-offs and conflicts arising from renewable energy production. The Alpine Convention is a very informed and insightful document concerning integrated approaches, such as hydropower and its impacts on ecological systems or spatial planning and construction of power lines. Some of today´s most controversial issues were anticipated when writing and approving the Energy Protocol.

To allow for meaningful discussion of renewable energy production in the Alps with all related trade-offs, advantages and disadvantages, the Alpine Convention and its implementing bodies recently established a specific working group on energy issues, the ‘Platform Energy’, during the Swiss presidency (2011-2012). This group deals with questions of energy usage, energy generation and energy systems. A series of workshops and meetings is ongoing to discuss these issues between the Alpine countries and will be synthesized in 2014 in preparation of the next Alpine Conference in September 2014.

Reconciling conflicting interests - a common goal of the Alpine Convention and recharge.green

The Alpine Convention and its bodies have always supported efforts to explore the use of energy from renewable sources in the Alps. However, they have also been well aware of the threats linked to the intensified demand for new sources of ‘green’ energy production in terms of nature and landscape conservation as well as climate change. The task now is to reconcile differences among existing justified interests. As this is also the main goal of the recharge.green project, the Alpine Convention is very interested in the outcomes of the project.

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Protection targets of existing frameworks need to be integrated in recharge.green

recharge.green has started its activities by analysing the potential of renewable energy sources (hydropower, wind, solar, biomass) in the Alps. It must now take a critical look at the topic, keeping in mind the nature and landscape protection targets of the Alpine Convention and of other European directives. It has become obvious that a lot of different and specific issues have to be investigated, and in-depth work is needed to solve questions such as defining and reconciling the required legal framework conditions for using different renewable energy sources (minimum distances of windmills, minimum ecological flow of streams, etc.). Another focus is determining which renewable energy sources have the least impact on nature and landscape conservation. As renewable energy from the Alps is mainly consumed outside the core area of the Alps, i.e. in the surrounding metropolitan areas, the feasibility and parameters of compensation to the Alpine landscapes and regions must be evaluated. The preparation of a Macro-regional Strategy (MRS) for the Alps, which involves metropolitan regions, provides a starting point for discussing this open question on a broader scale.

Renewable energy production has to go hand in hand with energy savings

The concluding statements of the presentation reflected the question of “(…) how much is enough and how much is too much (…)” when using (renewable) energy sources (Chris Calwell, March 22, 2010, European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy). M. Reiterer again raised the question of energy savings as a high priority goal. It remains to be determined whether “in the end, sufficiency limits and progressive efficiency specifications represent one of the most reasonable ways of halting the steady rise in absolute consumption (…)”.

The Alpine Convention provides the framework for developing a sustainable and future-orientated energy policy within and for the Alps, starting with energy efficiency and energy savings. At the same time, nature conservation and landscape protection have to be considered. It is now critical to clearly define which of these goals can be implemented given existing laws and regulations, identify potential gaps, and determine who needs to be motivated to follow a consensus-oriented approach for the Alps.

Markus Reiterer Since 2012 he is Secretary General of the Alpine Convention. As legal expert and diplomat he knows the political frameworks for the use of renewable energy in the Alps and works for the implementation of the Alpine Convention and its protocols. Besides the energy turnaround he considers energy efficiency and energy saving as a priority goal in future energy questions.

Author: Marianne Badura, blue! advancing european projects

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3.2 Italian hydropower production: from rent maximization to environmental sustainability

Speaker: Federico Pontoni

IEFE Centre for Research on Energy and Environmental Economics and Policy, Università Bocconi, Milano/Italy

Federico Pontoni envisions an environmental fee that balances profits and environmental sustainability of hydropower plants. His idea contrasts with current practices, where the concessions of hydropower plants are mostly motivated by economic issues. In his research he examined the acceptance of higher energy prices by the public, with surprising results.

In his presentation, Federico Pontoni focused on the hydropower production in the province of Sondrio (Italy) and the introduction of environmental mitigation measures. These investments can increase capital costs.

Currently, in Italy the rent for a hydropower system is based on the nominal capacity of the plant stated in the concession. The procedure for the renewal of the concession is structured as follows:

• a technical offer, i.e. the potential to increase production, • an environmental offer, i.e. the effort to reduce the environmental impact,

• an economic offer, i.e. expected revenue and revenue sharing percentage.

The economic offer is the most important. This shows that governments are more interested in increasing rent extraction than reducing environmental impact.

Why an environmental fee?

The introduction of an environmental fee can reduce the trade-off between profits and ecosystem integrity. The solution proposed by the author is to base the fee on environmental performance. He considers four categories of plants, from no-impact to high environmental impact. The environmental fee would represent the cost of degrading ecosystem services. The consequence of such a system may be:

• a decrease in benefits for producers,

• a decrease in state authority income,

• an increase in the energy price.

Will citizens accept higher energy costs?

The question he posed was: “Are citizens ready to accept an increase in energy costs to decrease the environmental impact?”

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The author deployed a choice experiment application to answer this question. He constructed a set of hypothetical scenarios using three attributes:

• Ecosystem status

• Plant typology • Energy price

People were interviewed through questionnaires and were asked to pay more for energy supply, so that administrations could use the increased income to protect environmental integrity. The more they are willing to pay the healthier the environment is expected to be. Completed questionnaires showed that citizens are willing to pay 109 € more per household per year in order to reduce the degrading of ecosystem services. This result is quite impressive, and it shows increasing public awareness about environmental issues. Using participatory approaches and building on increased public concern about environmental issues may lead to more holistic decisions on energy supply and natural resource management.

Are Italian politicians ready for a change in hydropower plant management?

The current policy of Italian hydropower production that is based primarily on economic considerations has negative environmental impacts. Federico Pontoni suggests a solution and a new management system for hydropower plants. Since his research was privately funded and commissioned by the local government one may assume that policy makers are open to implementing a new type of energy management.

Citizens are aware of consequences for biodiversity

Finally, it is relevant that if citizens are aware of the consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services, they are ready to pay more in order to improve the quality of their environment. On the other hand, the current rent system gives more importance to economics (monetary gains). The introduction of an environmental fee can bridge the gap between profitability and sustainability. However, a final question remains open: “Are authorities ready to receive less income?”

Federico Pontoni Federico Pontoni is Junior researcher at IEFE Centre for Research on Energy and Environmental Economics and Policy in Milano/Italy. Amongst other areas of expertise, he is an expert in water economics and the European gas market.

Author: Giulia Garegnani, EURAC

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3.3 Balancing biomass and biodiversity in protected areas; the Triglav National Park case study

Speaker: Aleš Poljanec

Slovenia Forest Service and University of Ljubljana

For centuries, the forest in the Triglav National Park has been used for timber production. Increasing demand for biomass for energy production is a challenge for nature conservation in the Park. Planning tools are needed to manage this challenge. Triglav National Park shares its experience with the multi-scale spatial model WISDOM.

Landscapes in the Alps reflect centuries of human activities. Traditional activities such as timber production and livestock grazing have long ago changed natural landscapes. Nowadays these activities are important for the preservation of cultural landscapes and for the development of the region. Therefore forest management and agricultural land use are still being practiced in some protected areas. An example of one such area is Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia. The park covers 840 km2 in the Julian Alps. Almost 60% of the park is covered by forest, and most of the forests are highly productive, dominated by spruce and beech. The park provides a variety of ecosystem services (ESS): On the one hand nature conservation, environment and cultural heritage protection are the most important management objectives in the park, while on the other hand agriculture and forestry are important for people living in the park.

Demand for biomass energy in conflict with nature conservation goals

In the last decade, the demand for woody biomass for energy has risen significantly, mainly due to the park’s considerable potential (highly productive forests, increasing forest stock), but also due to increasing fuel prices and the expected transition to renewable energy sources. Biomass production therefore represents a promising opportunity for forest owners to generate additional income. However, increasing demand could also lead to overuse of forest biomass, which could threaten biodiversity and increase conflicts between the use of natural resources and nature protection objectives in the park. For successful management of biomass potentials while balancing conflicts between forestry exploitation and nature protection, an understanding of spatial patterns of biomass demand and supply, as well as an appreciation of the influence of biomass exploitation on biodiversity are needed. To achieve this, planning tools that allow users to integrate data from various sources and to conduct multi-scale spatial analysis are necessary. Methodologies, models and modular decision support systems based on holistic approaches seem most promising.

A model for multi-scale spatial planning and data integration

WISDOM is just such a tool. “Wood-fuel Integrated Supply/Demand Overview Mapping” (WISDOM) is a spatially explicit method for determining and highlighting wood fuel priority areas. The WISDOM concept and principles were developed in a partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Institute of Ecology of the National University of Mexico. WISDOM consists of several modules with vector and raster layers:

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1. Supply module, which includes direct and indirect biomass sources (in the study of Triglav National Park only woody biomass exceeding 7 cm diameter is considered, and industrial round wood is excluded),

2. Consumption module, which includes residential and industry consumption and biomass export,

3. Integration module, which consists of biomass supply-demand balance raster maps, 4. Priority areas module, which allowed woodshed analyses for current biomass

consumption, planning locations for new plants or distance heating systems and planning priority areas for new road infrastructure.

We used the WISDOM tool to evaluate three scenarios of possible biomass use in the study area:

• Scenario S1 (business as usual), where current (S1a) and planned (S1b) cut was considered,

• Scenario S2 (nature protection scenario), where we hypothesized no felling in the core protection zone, felling in the secondary protection zone only where the naturalness of forests is highly changed, and felling in the tertiary protection zone only where the forests are changed or highly changed,

• Scenario S3 (biomass production scenario) where we assumed that in tertiary, secondary and core protection zone 100 %, 70 % and 30 % of increment is cut. Additionally, we considered increasing demand for biomass use by simulating a new biomass plant in Jesenice city with annual biomass consumption of 5.000 t, 20.000 t and 30.000 t.

The preliminary results show that current demand for woody biomass energy within the park is relatively small (2.940 t/year), and that it could be entirely covered in any of the scenarios. If we also consider demand for energy from bordering towns and cities, which are closely related to land use in the park, the estimated demand is much higher (19.940 t/year), but could still be covered with the cuts foreseen in the management plans (S1b, 24.950 t/year) and with increased use of forest (scenario 3, 35.400 t/year). The current cut (S1a, 12.250 t/year) and nature conservation scenario (scenario 2, 10.050 t/year) covered approximately 50 % of energy needs. Increased demand (e.g. new biomass plant) could be covered by biomass from a much wider region (Fig. 1). Alternatively, increased demand for biomass could be covered by increased production in the nearby area, which could cause conflicts with the conservation goals of the park.

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Taking into account this preliminary analysis, we may conclude that fuel wood production, if properly planned with well-stocked forests, could be in accordance with the management objectives of the protected areas. However, significantly increased demand, such as for use of residues, could have substantial negative influence on biodiversity and cause conflicts with nature conservation objectives in the park. To reduce the risk of biodiversity loss and to avoid contradictory management objectives in the park, careful planning and an appropriate forest management system is needed. Close-to nature forestry and a conscientious approach coupled with constant monitoring, planning and evaluation of realized measures could be the most appropriate way to balance different goals. In the study area (and in all Slovenian forests), close-to nature forestry has been practiced for 50 years, and major conflicts between forestry and nature conservation did not arise. Within the recharge.green project, Slovenian partners will complement current information on forests available on a 2×2 km permanent sample plot grid (maintained by SFS) with additional information on soil, vegetation, birds, fungi, etc. This enhanced forest inventory will allow us to get better insight into the impact of biomass use on biodiversity and thus improve the evaluation of forest management and biodiversity monitoring in the Triglav National Park.

Aleš Poljanec ( left ) and Rok Pisek (right) are working at the Slovenian Forest Service and the University of Ljubljana. Within the recharge.green project Aleš Poljanec is leading the activities in the pilot area Triglav National Park, which focuses on biomass production.

Authors: Aleš Poljanec and Rok Pisek, Slovenian Forest Service

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Figure 1: Supply areas corresponding to increased demand for woody biomass in case of establishment of a new biomass plant in Jesenice with annual consumption of 5000 tons (dark red), 20000 tons (light red) and 30000 tons (yellow).

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3.4 Wind energy in Switzerland and particular challenges of nature conservation

Speaker: Peter Suter

Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG, Luzern/Switzerland

In some areas of Switzerland, including in protected areas, windmills are already a familiar sight. According to Peter Suter, this was accomplished through the involvement of all interested parties at an early stage.

Peter Suter, head of renewables at the Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke, presented the producer point of view in the context of wind energy. Windmills are already an integral element of the landscape in several Swiss regions, for example in the Jura, but also at altitudes above 2.000 meters. Several further windmills are planned and some of these projects are considered controversial.

Arguments for and against wind energy in Switzerland

Arguments in favour of wind energy range from the economic competitiveness in contrast to other renewable energy sources, to high rates of electricity production (including during winter months), moderate environmental impacts, and modest space requirements. The cons include impacts on scenery, noise and wildlife (birds and bats), which have to be addressed at individual project level. However, there is still a long way to go – not only due to the strong position of nuclear energy in Switzerland, but also to balance conflicts with environment and society.

Environmental organisations are involved at the outset of each project

The Swiss direct democratic structures require a mandatory poll on municipality level in favour of wind energy projects. This entails inclusion of all proponents and opponents at a very early stage to develop a successful project management structure. Therefore, good cooperation between energy producers with local institutions and environmental organizations is mandatory. The example of windmills at the buffer zone in the UNESCO Biosphere Park Entlebuch shows that projects can be accepted by the local population if a balance between energy production and environmental protection is found. However, this requires that stakeholders move beyond a sectoral perspective towards a holistic analysis. Efforts are currently aimed at reducing the long approval process (approximately 5 years), which is seen as hampering investment. For the author of this report, the Swiss process of finding a balance between energy production and environment protection should serve as the basis for discussion in other Alpine countries.

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Peter Suter Peter Suter is head of renewables at Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG (CKW) in Luzern, Switzerland. The enterprise provides energy to 200.000 households in Central Switzerland. Currently CKW plans a wind power plant in the protected zone of Entlebuch. For recharge.green, his experience in solving conflicts between renewable energy production and nature conservation are of special interest.

Author: Richard Hastik, University of Innsbruck

3.5 Keeping the balance in the Alps: bioenergy targets versus ecosystems services

Speaker: Florian Kraxner

International Institute for Applied System Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria

IIASA’s contribution to recharge.green’s Mid-Term-Conference has put the balance between bioenergy production with other ecosystems services at its centre. Such research work is highly interesting and at the same time a challenge since similar efforts have not been undertaken before. It is a kind of pioneering work.

The presentation started with an introductory remark from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report (2005), mentioning that over the past 50 years ecosystem services have become more and more jeopardized, by human activities leading to irreversible losses to natural ecosystems. Such losses also imperil human wellbeing, and the recharge.green consortium considers it of utmost importance to carefully consider the conservation of ecosystems and the species they contain, as well as the ecosystem services they provide, while at the same time investigating Alpine potentials for renewable energy production.

Ecosystem services – a multi-faceted topic

In order to integrate ecosystem services into scientific assessments, some definitions are needed. There is a large quantity of literature available on ecosystem services, along with a similarly large set of definitions of types and categories of ecosystem services. To illustrate the complexity of this topic, a set of „key“ ecosystem services following a definition and categorization by the United Nations‘ Environment Program was presented and explained. The IIASA representative pointed out that ecosystems provide a wide range of services to humans, and that the provision of energy is only one among a multitude of other crucial services. This wealth of important services may also be the reason why even experts are not always well informed with respect to ecosystem services.

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Moreover, the perceived importance of different ecosystem services categories (e.g. recreational versus productive or protective ecosystem services) by the general public can vary substantially over different geographic regions and societies, even at small scales. In the Alps, literally every valley and village might have different perceptions regarding the importance of individual ecosystem services such as air quality, tourist attractions, or fresh water provision. This is also the reason why spatially explicit assessment approaches can be considered as valuable contribution to the existing knowledge on ecosystem services.

Modelling bioenergy production

One way to scientifically address this complex topic is the recharge.green approach, which is based on the selection of a few „key“ ecosystem services that are modelled in an integrated manner and spatially explicit across the Alpine Space. For that approach, IIASA’s ecosystem services experts are mainly applying two different models: a biophysical forest model called „G4M“ (Global Forest Model, www.iiasa.ac.at/g4m) and a techno-economic engineering model called „BeWhere“ (www.iiasa.ac.at/bewhere).

G4M is applied in a forward looking manner in order to provide information on the forest under different management scenarios: (1) managing the forest for maximizing the carbon sequestration; or (2) managing the forest for maximizing the harvestable wood amount for bioenergy production. The results from the forest modelling are then picked up by the engineering model BeWhere, which optimizes the bioenergy production in terms of energy demand (power and heat demand by population) and supply (wood harvesting potentials), feedstock harvesting and transport costs, the location and capacity of the bioenergy plant as well as the energy distribution logistics with respect to heat and electricity (e.g. considering existing grids for electricity or district heating etc.).

Support for optimal landscape management decisions

The presented first modelling results clearly highlighted the importance of considering various ecosystem services under different scenarios and in a geographically explicit manner. While aiming at producing the same amount of bioenergy under both forest management scenarios, it turned out that in scenario 1 (Max. Carbon Sequestration), a substantially larger area (distributed across the Alps) will need to be used for producing (and harvesting) the necessary amount of feedstock than under scenario 2 (Max. Bioenergy). This result clearly shows that scenario 2 has to be seen as an “intensification scenario” under which more biomass feedstock can be produced and harvested, so that less area would be affected by harvesting and other management activities. Such intensification through optimal management can lead to a substantial reduction of the area necessary for bioenergy feedstock supply. This in turn means that the “spared” area and the associated ecosystem services can be designated for conservation or other uses. This type of information can provide valuable support to policy and decision makers when considering the optimal “mix” or “co-existence” of different ecosystem services and economic demands from a modern landscape management approach.

The next research steps under recharge.green will have to further develop this optimization approach to integrate wind, solar and hydropower into the model. Furthermore, special areas (e.g. hotspots) of ecosystem services conservation will be integrated in a next step such that these can be considered upfront when optimizing the management system for a balanced approach to renewable energy production and ecosystem services conservation in the Alps.

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Pathways towards optimal use and management of ecosystem services

IIASA’s research within recharge.green shows that an optimal management at landscape level that considers sustainable and renewable energy production while conserving and improving ecosystem services is feasible. It is relevant to follow an integrated approach that looks at various demand- and supply situations at the same time and comes up with policy-relevant and feasible options for solutions that can be picked up by decision makers and consequently become implemented, with broad acceptance by the public.

In conclusion, optimal management is crucial when it comes to sustainable development in the Alps. Integrated assessment-based intensification of renewable energy production might open up new options and pathways for conservation or restoration of ecosystem services while considering different priorities in a varied and changing landscape at varying locations across the Alps.

Florian Kraxner Florian Kraxner is Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Services and Management Program (ESM) at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Laxenburg, Austria. In addition, he heads a research group on policy and science interface (PSI). IIASA is the key modelling partner of the recharge.green consortium and Kraxner is the leader of WP 5 and IIASA’s PI for recharge.green. Given his background in forestry and specialization in mountain risk engineering, Kraxner sees his involvement in recharge.green as a great opportunity to bring in his personal and also his research group’s expertise while helping to improve environmental, social and economic conditions in the entire Alpine Space.

Author: Florian Kraxner, IIASA

Co-authors: Sylvain Leduc (IIASA), Sabine Fuss (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC), Berlin, Germany; and IIASA), Nicklas Forsell (IIASA)

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4. Poster Session - Exchange and discussions

The poster session provided an opportunity for the participating experts and stakeholders to discuss the regional opportunities and challenges in the pilot areas with local experts. The conference host town Brig, the town Annecy (another member of the “Alpine town of the year association”, which is an observer) and other recharge.green partners took the opportunity to present their roles in the project.

The poster session clearly showed the different approaches of the pilot areas to a sustainable use of renewable energy. For example the Triglav National Park in Slovenia has a strong emphasis on biomass energy production, due to the vast potentials the Triglav forest offers. However the Triglav National Park provides a variety of other ecosystem services (ESS) – cultural as well as other supporting ESS such as biodiversity or carbon sequestration. The posters show the trade-offs created by the use of biomass for energy production and the potential of ESS in the region. The posters provide scenarios and possible solutions to reconcile renewable energy production and the protection of biodiversity.

Hydropower is the major source of renewable energy in many parts of the Alpine region. The recharge.green project pilot areas Regione Veneto, Bavaria, Northern French Alps, as well as the town Annecy have different approaches towards hydropower. In Regione Veneto, for example, the municipalities are facing the conflict between tourism and hydropower. In the Northern French Alps the conflict arises between the use of water for hydropower versus drinking water. The conference-host town of Brig presented a best practise, as they constructed a specially designed drinking-water hydropower plant which secures both the energy supply in the region and the drinking water supply.

Two research institutes – the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Geographical Institute of the University of Innsbruck presented their expertise regarding the conflicts between ecosystem services and renewable energy and showed possible solutions.

Find all posters attached in the annex.

Author: Peter Tramberend, Environment Agency Austria

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5. Panel discussion

“Alpenweiter Umgang mit der Energiewende und Auswirk ungen auf die Biodiversität – Konflikte und Lösungen“ (panel discussion held in German language only)

With a panel discussion open to the public recharge.green invited people from the region to involve them in the conference topic. Three Swiss experts in energy production and landscape protection shared their opinions in a lively discussion.

recharge.green stands out for its approach of bringing together representatives from different interest groups, such as stakeholders from the energy sector and biodiversity conservation. This mix of stakeholders was also represented on the podium: The panel consisted of Anita Wyss, Swiss Foundation of Landscape Protection; Peter Suter, Head of renewables, Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG; Michel Matthey, Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE/CH and president of the Energy Platform of the Alpine Convention.

The panel was moderated by Marianne Badura (blue! advancing european projects) and Guido Plassmann (ALPARC Alpine Network of Protected Areas). In a spirited dialogue, the panel discussed common and controversial points with all participants. The main statements of the panel discussion are summarised:

A new planning strategy is necessary

It was agreed in many Alpine countries to phase out nuclear energy production. This puts enormous pressure on the whole Alpine region to implement suitable political frameworks. Michel Matthey emphasized that the government has both an interest in producing renewable energy and in protecting the environment. In recent years, laws supporting the energy turnaround have been developed. Conflicts have arisen during the realisation of the planned targets, because nature protection was not sufficiently considered in these plans.

Michel Matthey, Peter Suter and Anita Wyss discussing in the panel

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The panel agreed that the energy turnaround has happened too quickly and with too much time pressure during the last years. For the future, a better considered strategy could be a possible solution. This should include an orientation from project to regional level when it comes to decisions regarding which sites should be used for renewable energy production and which sites should rather be preserved for nature protection. The exchange of experiences among Alpine regions should be improved and supported.

Involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in spatial planning

NGOs raise their voice for nature protection and want to be part of the planning and decision-making processes. However, their opportunities to do so vary among Alpine countries. There are on-going discussions on ecological networks, but currently there is still a lack of legal framework for their involvement.

The panel highlighted the situation in Switzerland. NGOs are involved in the planning process through the so called “right of objection”. Anita Wyss underlined the importance of involvement at an early planning level to be able to advocate for nature’s rights included in the legislation. She confirmed that Swiss NGOs have been involved in many plans in recent years. However, she criticized that, in the end, economic factors are always considered more important than landscape protection.

Selection of sites for renewable energy production

NGOs and energy sector agree on omitting very sensitive areas, e.g. bear protection zones, from energy production. For other sensitive areas, agreements between the different interest groups are less obvious. More than one third of the Alps are under some form of protection. Anita Wyss does not plead systematically for the exclusion of all those protection zones, but for a choice of the site and source of renewable energy with the least impact on the environment. Peter Suter, representative of the energy sector, excludes national protection zones from energy production. However, in his opinion, the energy potential should be used where possible to expand the amount of renewables in the energy mix. Even though individual regions try to find solutions, an Alps-wide solution to the conflict is still lacking.

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Developments at different strategic levels

According to the Alpine Convention, all Alpine countries follow sustainable development goals. These serve as framework for the development of Alps-wide strategies. The Energy Platform of the Alpine Convention is charged with developing solutions for balancing the energy turnaround and nature protection at political and administrative levels. The three core topics of energy transport, energy use and energy production are discussed in workshops. Even though the activities of the Platform have not yet finished, some conclusions can already be drawn: especially in large countries with a small proportion of the Alpine region, such as Germany or Italy, a solution to the conflict of renewable energy versus nature protection in the Alps cannot be found at national level. In these countries, the regional planning approach for the specific Alpine areas is considered key for solving the conflict.

recharge.green aims to develop concrete instruments for balancing renewable energy and nature protection holistically. Such instruments can complement the administrative level approach of the Energy Platform and are necessary for an energy turnaround in the Alps that can both satisfy the energy targets and nature protection needs.

The discussion showed that landscape and nature protection are already taken into consideration to some extent in the planning of renewable energy production. However, a regional long-term strategy with concentration of plants on best-suited locations and solutions for the preservation of very sensitive areas must still be found. recharge.green, with its transalpine objective decision support tool, can contribute to finding the right balance between renewable energy production and nature protection.

Author: Katharina Spannraft, CIPRA International

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6. World Café

On the second day of the conference the entire morning was reserved for moderated group discussions with relevant stakeholders, experts and decision makers with a focus on regional aspects of reconciling renewable energy and environmental needs within the project’s pilot areas and within municipalities of the network “Alpine Town of the Year” that are observers of recharge.green.

One main conclusion can be drawn from the discussions:

The pilot areas of recharge.green have specific conditions with regard to energy production and environmental constraints. The following examples show the regional aspects of reconciling renewable energy and environmental protection in some of the pilot areas.

Renewable energy projects should not merely be managed at project level, but rather planned considering the regional context, conditions and interdependencies in the region and taking into account the relevant stakeholders, experts and decision makers. This statement is in accordance with the panel discussion on the first conference day.

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6.1 Pilot area Triglav National Park

Main question: What could a sustainable energy plan for the National Park look like?

Bioenergy production is the predominant renewable energy in the region of Triglav National Park. The conference participants pointed out that further research is necessary regarding the carrying capacity of this region. The most demanding task is to develop a sustainable management plan for the region, which reconciles bioenergy production and biodiversity conservation. This new sustainable energy-nature-management-plan should take into consideration the local and regional conditions and needs. It should aim to reconcile the economic needs (timber, food, energy), the environmental needs (e.g. biodiversity conservation), and the appearance of the landscape (cultural land use, natural scenery, natural and cultural heritage). There was rigorous group discussion about how far the protection of biodiversity should go. Is 100% protection of biodiversity achievable, or is a protection rate of 60-70% enough? It is advisable to raise the awareness of relevant stakeholders, decision makers and the general public, as there are two types of biodiversity, the ‘cute’ one and ‘not so cute’ one. For example the bear and wolf, both are protected animals, key predators and regulators, which play an important role in the population of wildlife species. However for most of the rural population these two animals are regarded as a threat.

The group discussion concluded that the following questions should be considered in future discussion:

• What is the trade-off between biodiversity and energy production/use of the natural resources? To what extent?

• Are protected areas really a form of “protection” or just appropriately balancing renewable energy resources and nature?

• How to satisfy societal / human need in context of climatic change and increasing world’s population.

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6.2 Pilot area Bavaria

Main challenge: Improve knowledge about the influence of power plants on ecosystems and create incentives for sustainable investments in power plants.

Hydropower is the dominant renewable energy form in Bavaria. In general, hydropower has a positive public image, although the knowledge about negative impact of hydropower on nature is low. In most cases the population only gets involved in hydropower projects when the projects cause social conflicts, such as problems with land ownership or with landscape identification. Impacts on nature and biodiversity are not understood or regarded as less important. Hydropower is able to fill the gap to a certain degree, when solar and wind power fail to provide energy or to react quickly if there are energy bottlenecks. However, this in itself leads to severe damage to the environment due to abrupt changes of water outflow at hydropower stations and leads to wear and tear on the equipment used.

The following demands came up during the discussion:

• Plan on regional level: For a sustainable use of hydropower, regional impacts and constraints have to be taken into account instead of planning focused only at the project level. The size and the specifications of the regional level vary with the planned hydro power plant. It is necessary that all stakeholders agree to these regional specifications.

• Create incentive for energy consumption outside peak times in order to reduce hydropower’s role as buffer energy and the negative impact due to short-term runoff changes.

• Push companies of hydropower plants toward sustainab le investments by increasing the knowledge of the benefits regarding the EU Water Framework Directive. So far, companies do not usually renovate their plants without financial or legal pressure. Also, monitoring for maintenance of the EU Water Framework Directive should be increased.

• Consider the interaction between water, solar and wi nd energy and the resulting impact on the environment in the decision support system (DSS). The actual model for the DSS has a spatial character (Pixel). The proper representation of hydro power, which has a linear character, has to be ensured.

• Learn more about fish populations in order to increase the knowledge about the impacts of different kinds of hydropower on populations and the connectivity of fish habitats also with respect to the EU Flora & Fauna and Habitats Directives.

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• Foster regional energy as a unique, local and green brand to strengthen the identification at regional level and increase the awareness of the need for environmental measures.

6.3 Pilot area Vorarlberg

Main challenge: What is the right form of sustainable and accepted renewable energy production in Vorarlberg with regard to the energy autonomy planned for 2050?

The province of Vorarlberg (Austria) set the ambitious goal of being energy autonomous by 2050. One of the overarching questions is: How can renewable energy be produced and precisely where can it be produced? The region of Vorarlberg developed a tool called “Sample Hectare”, which allows for sampling of what can be produced and/or developed on one hectare of landscape in Vorarlberg. With this tool, which is currently under development, the whole region will be evaluated and sampled. The overall aim is to produce a broad picture of Vorarlberg’s population, and to incorporate experts’ opinions on where which kind of RE production is preferred. The “Sample Hectare” integrates the public interest in planning procedures without disregarding the necessary technical expertise. The survey is based on expert interviews as well as on interviews with the inhabitants and will serve as a basis for discussion for politicians and decision makers. Existing hectares in use are tested on their eco-system values (7 ecosystem services which have not yet been chosen) and tested again when different kinds of RE production have been added to the respective hectare. Finally the various hectares will be assessed in context of the RE production goals of the region.

During the discussion, the sample hectare was appreciated as an innovative, participative and effective approach to provide a new frame for RE, which not only reflects the economic dimension but also raises awareness on the energy topic within the population. Because its surveys give an area-wide opinion, it is seen as a good tool to influence political opinion making in Vorarlberg. However, the discussion also pointed out that the approach does not take into account the real energy potential in the region, neglects the weight of economic factors and is therefore very theoretical. The participants suggested that involvement of the population is only useful after assessing the potential of renewable energy in the region. Otherwise analysing the sample hectare remains superficial.

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The main open questions for the activities in the pilot area are:

• What will be the seven ecosystem service-indicators to measure the hectare under different renewable energy scenarios?

• Are these indicators strict enough or do they simplify the issue of RE production? • Is public opinion on every aspect of renewable energy production useful for decision

making?

• How many surveys need to be conducted to get a significant picture of RE production?

6.4 Pilot area Province of Belluno

Main question: How to ensure regional energy supply by the local power plant without harming the legislation of the national park? The pilot area Province of Belluno (Veneto) works on two watersheds, the Maè and Mis Valleys. During the world café, they explained both situations with a focus on the Mis valley. Situation and Topic in Maè Valley In the Maè valley, there are small villages with few inhabitants and high touristic pressure. In the last few decades, the management of pastures and meadows has decreased, and the forest area has grown through spontaneous forest succession on abandoned open areas, causing loss of landscape diversity and fire-hazard. Currently, local communities (municipalities and cooperatives) want to enter into the RE business and directly build and manage both biomass and small-scale hydropower plants. The procedure of concession of derivation for small-scale hydropower plants does not support the local communities, as it considers private and public requests at the same level. The local communities ask for recognition and compensation for the natural resources that they are managing. Consequently, there is a need to find a process that guarantees fair compensation for small-scale hydropower plants and the partial return of earnings and fees to local communities to maintain the natural resources and to protect the landscape.

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Current situation in the Mis Valley (Veneto) In Mis Valley in 2012, the construction of a small-scale hydropower plant, authorized through a regional Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, was stopped by a court order. The court agreed with the WWF, considering the construction of small-scale hydropower plants inside the park area as harmful for landscape and biodiversity. The court supported a more restrictive interpretation of the national framework law for protected areas that does not allow a change in the hydrological system of streams inside the park area. Following this court order, there has been a great increase in action by local pressure groups against small-scale hydropower plants in large parts of Belluno Province. The situation in Mis Valley today is the following:

• About 1/3 of the valley is without access to electricity, especially the part inside the park.

• The existing hydropower plant with an artificial basin is used to provide electricity for small towns below and as a reservoir for irrigation during the summer season.

• The park´s information point building and a small camp site now use fuel generator and heating systems. Roads are unlit.

• Sospirolo municipality considers a solution for energy provision to the visitor centre important, and it highlights an existing old small hydropower plant.

The group discussion during the world café led to the following suggestions for the Mis Valley and the park area:

• Stakeholders consider a balance between the need to increase tourism in the areas and the development of renewable energy systems as very important.

• Biomass is considered as a good alternative to small-scale hydropower plants. However, and this is the controversial point, state incentives are weighted toward small-scale hydropower plants. So it seems to be more convenient, from an economic point of view, to develop small-scale hydropower plants compared to biomass.

• Some guidelines on small hydropower development are shared, referring to the Alpine Convention. It is enlightening to study the situation in the Mis Valley, where a recent court order has placed some constraints on new power plants, beyond those specified by law. A power plant using existing drinking water pipes is also suggested as a possibility.

Author: Peter Tramberend, Environment Agency Austria

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7. Excursion

Excursion to the energieregionGOMS (energy region Go ms)

GOMS is the first energy region in the Swiss Alps. Its vision is to provide sustainable, decentralised and locally sourced energy for the population of the valley. Different sources of renewable energy are employed. Managers of the energy region gave an insight into sustainable energy management on their regional approach.

Goms is located in a rural high valley at the top of the watershed of the Rhone river. After a warm welcome by the mayor of Ernen, Mrs. Christine Clausen, the idea of the energieregionGOMS was introduced by Dionys Hallenbarter. Afterwards, participants visited the long-distance heating system in Ernen as well as the small-scale hydropower plant in Fiesch.

The holistic idea of the energieregionGOMS

Sustainable energy supply for the local population with energy sources available on-site is the core idea of the energieregionGOMS. Both an increase in efficiency and a decrease in consumption are fostered. Up to 80% of the energy demand should be provided by renewable energy. For the realisation of this target, all available sources of renewable energy are used. Energy production, transformation and consumption occur short distances from one another. In addition the region suffers from emigration. Young people, in particular, leave for larger towns, as job prospects and incentives are inadequate. Therefore, the energieregionGOMS also wants to create better employment options, to increase the local added value and also to improve the image of the region for inhabitants and visitors. Marketing of the energy produced in the region emphasises its local and sustainable character. The local population holds an important share of the power plants. All communities in the region worked together to develop energy concepts and strategies. In 2012, 13 communities outlined their energy targets in a joint energy strategy paper.

Mix of renewable energies with respect for nature

Biomass, wind, hydro- and solar power all contribute to the energy mix of the energieregionGOMS. Plants are distributed all over the region. Locations of plants are selected according to the site´s energetic potential, but also with respect to landscape and nature. Most solar panels are installed on roofs. To achieve optimal placement, solar panels are also installed on avalanche protection fences above the forest zone. Windmills are located out of sight, in high mountain zones, in order to preserve landscape beauty.

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New long-distance heating system in old houses

In 2012 the majority of the houses in the village of Ernen were connected to a subterranean long-distance heating system. A woodchip heating system has been operating since 2013. The fact that many old buildings in the village are under protection represented a challenge. The energieregionGOMS was able to demonstrate that old buildings are not an obstacle to innovative approaches to energy generation. A pipe system runs through the entire village. Water is circulated in a closed circle. In the woodchip oven, the water is warmed up to 85°C. Afterwards, i t runs into the system and provides heat to heat-exchangers in the households. The woodchips for heating are harvested in local forests, mostly spruce. Garden waste is also an important part of the biomass burnt in the oven. The forests of the GOMS are managed in a sustainable way. Only single trees are taken, dead trees are left in the forest system and management considers the needs of wildlife. The responsible enterprise ForstGOMS was awarded the “Binding Waldpreis 2013” (prize for best practice in forest management) for its sustainable management practices. In addition to its natural value, the forest has an important role in the protection of the region against natural hazards.

Small scale hydropower plant in Fiesch

The power plant in Fiesch is one of three small-scale hydropower plants in the region. Installed in 2012, it provides energy for 2000 households. The stream “Wysswasser” running through the power plant comes from the glacier and contains fine sediments which can have a negative impact on the turbines. In order to increase the longevity of the power plant, a special sedimentation pond was installed. By limiting the runoff speed in certain parts of the plants, the sediments sink to the bottom and do not disturb the turbines. The power plant also provides an example of how regulations of nature

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conservation on a national level do not necessarily make sense in certain regions: a fish passage had to be built at the power plant in Fiesch, despite the fact that there have never been fish in the Wysswasser.

Insight into an innovative region

The excursion to GOMS gave a good insight into an innovative region aiming for local and renewable energy supply by considering different kinds of renewable energy at suited sites. It showed examples of how landscape and nature are included in the regional energy planning. The participants also learned that power plants in the Alps can face special technical challenges.

Author: Katharina Spannraft, CIPRA International

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8. Interviews

8.1 „I have high hopes in recharge.green!”

Interview with Markus Reiterer, Secretary General of the Alpine Convention.

1. The development of renewable energy is being pushed forward in the Alps, also because of the decision to phase out nuclear power stations. As a representative of the Alpine Convention, does that cause you any concerns?

The development of renewable energy is a challenge for the Alpine Convention and for all countries. I am not in favour of describing the Alps as the “battery of Europe”. The Alps are a habitat for 14 million people and for thousands of animal species. They are also an economic and farming area that has been inhabited and cultivated for thousands of years. We must find ways to implement the energy transition in such a way that we do not destroy the Alps. It is a challenge, but I am confident that we will meet it.

2. Do you think you can contribute to resolving the conflict between renewable energy and nature conservation?

It is vital to find a balance between various interests. The interests of power supply, the economy, the inhabitants of Alpine areas and nature conservation all contend with each other, and an agreement must be found. It is never easy to find a solution to competing interests, but it does mean that we cannot disregard any interest. The Alpine Convention and its Energy Protocol offer a range of approaches and standards. The environmental compatibility and social compatibility tests are central issues, as is the process of weighing up the economic benefits. Implementing these standards and approaches can produce solutions for the conflict between renewable energy and nature conservation.

3. The recharge.green project is developing strategies and tools to aid decision-making for questions concerning the production of renewable energy and sustainable land use. What benefit will these project results produce for the Alpine Convention?

recharge.green is trying to create an instrument that can help define the various interests of e.g. nature conservation and the energy sector and weigh these up against each other. With a scientific basis, this can also be communicated to the outside world. If recharge.green can offer a functioning tool that supplies comprehensible results, this will represent a major contribution to solving the conflict between nature conservation and renewable energy in the Alps. I have high hopes for recharge.green.

4. What advice would you give to the regions in the Alpine space so that they can implement the energy transition in an environmentally compatible way?

Don’t give up – keep the faith!

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8.2 “Municipalities need precise analyses”

Interview with Eduard Brogli from the town of Brig-Glis and observer for the recharge.green project in the frame of the Alpine Town of the Year Association. Brig-Glis hosted the Mid-Term Conference.

1. The mid-term conference of the recharge.green project was held in Brig Glis. What did you gain for your town? The conference offered me the chance to gain insights into the energy projects of other Alpine municipalities. This valuable exchange of experiences provided me with new ideas for my own town.

2. What questions would you like to ask the project as an observer? The conflict of interest between renewable energy and nature conservation is well-known. I believe it is important for the conflict now to be formulated in concrete terms, with concrete examples used to make a precise analysis of the how renewable energy sources can be developed proportionally in relation to the damage caused to the environment. Only then can we as a municipality judge whether the detriment to nature outweighs the benefits and thus decide to cease development of renewable energy. I can see this approach with recharge.green.

3. What is the benefit of the recharge.green project for municipalities? The benefit for municipalities is strongly dependent on their scope for action. In France, for example, all waters belong to the state, whereas in Switzerland these are in the hands of the municipalities. We thus have a greater scope for action in Switzerland, and we can use tools from recharge.green to develop an environmentally sustainable energy transition.

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9. Outlook on platforms and future project activities

In 2014, the activities in the pilot areas are going to play a major role in the project. Findings in the Work Packages 4 and 5 will be tested and analysed in the different regions. The pilot areas will evaluate the suitability of the decision support system for their case studies.

In the second half of 2014, the dissemination activities will start. In workshop and training sessions, stakeholders will learn about the decision support system and the possibilities for implementing it.

In 2015 the project‘s final phase contains dissemination activities and the final conference will take place in Germany.

Current project news and information on the topic are shared in the following media:

• Website www.recharge-green.eu: All available information on the project, downloads, further reading available in en, de, it, fr, sl.

• Newsletter in a 6-months interval with current project news available in en, de, it, fr, sl; subscribe here: www.recharge-green.eu/infoservice-2/newsletter

• Blog of project partners sharing their recent findings and ideas about renewable energy and nature protection in the Alps (main blog in English, regional blog in the respective language of the pilot area): blog.recharge-green.eu

• Social Media follow recharge.green on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/recharge.green and Twitter https://twitter.com/RechargeGreen.

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10. Annex: Posters of the poster session

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Pilot area Vorarlberg / Leiblachtal “Sample Hectare” to debate the conflict between wind-power and ESS

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1. Introduction of main scenarios of the pilot area The province of Vorarlberg has set the ambitious goal of achieving energy autonomy by 2050. Currently a thorough survey of energy consumption data and energy potentials is being done in the sub-region Leiblachtal. In the context of recharge.green conflicts between use of wind energy and ecosystem services are analyzed in the Leiblachtal. From pre-surveys it turns out that the use of wind power is potentially interesting. At present, wind measurements are being carried out, these serve to clarify the economics and the potential dimensioning of wind turbines. The Leiblachtal has approximately 15,000 residents distributed across five villages. The region borders Germany in the North, Lake Constance in the West, and in the East and in the South the mountain Pfänder (1064 meters) forms a natural border. The Leiblachtal is also home to people working in the economic center of the Rhine valley. The mountain communities are agriculturally oriented with some income from tourism. The lower communities have numerous commercial enterprises. 2. Conflicts in the pilot area between ecosystem services and renewable energy for the main scenarios Influences on

Recreational features of the landscape Sound and noise Animals cruising radius, particularly birds Flight paths of birds

qualities due to the new facilities and access roads 3. Maps which locate the conflicts Wind power station on the mountain Pfänder

4. Regional communication strategy: how the pilot area involves stakeholders and citizens? The communication strategy contains several levels:

events, thematic information on the potential location of wind turbines, population interviews, citizen information through website, film, media reports, excursions, integration of local organizations in catering for event participants

at municipality level in the region Leiblachtal: Political decision making for the development of the energy region Leiblachtal, draft of projects in the context of the energy region, financing pre-study on wind power use, informative events and excursions Representatives at the provincial level of Vorarlberg: regular co-ordination meetings, presentation of project ideas, invitation

to participate in project meetings activities

Informing the public

Informing the regional population

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Pilot area Vorarlberg / Leiblachtal “Sample Hectare” to debate the conflict between wind-power and ESS



5. Ideas/ solutions to solve the conflicts

recharge.greendecision makers in making decisions about development and use of renewably energies. The conflicts between the use of wind energy and ecosystem services are represented and judged transparently and comprehensibly. The uses of different renewable energy sources are compared when planning the attainment of energy autonomy. A schematic representation of the trade-offs between eco system services and renewable energy forms is produced as shown in the graphic. Existing ecosystem services in different locations are evaluated by the participants in workshops. Afterwards an assessment of these sites is repeated after theoretical further development and use of various renewable energy sources. Finally a comparison of potential locations and theoretical consequences of development and use of renewable sources of energy is carried out. These workshop results are compared against results of expert interviews and scientific analyses of the respective ecosystem services.

and community members. Furthermore, the results can be included in a project exhibition and serve as the basis for a possible referendum. The overall picture in Vorarlberg arising from this process shall be compared with other pilot areas in recharge.green.

Pilot region Bavaria Altusried barrage

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1. Ecologically sustainable operation of hydropower plants The Bavarian electric power company, BEW, maintains and operates 35 hydroelectric power plants on the Lech, Wertach, Iller, Günz and Danube rivers, as well as biomass power plants and distance heating networksecologically sustainable operation of power plants. BEW is taking part in recharge.green in order to improve compatibility between the production of renewable energies and biodiversity conservation. The actual realisation of such ideas in hydroelectric power plants is being tested in a pilot project on the Upper Iller river between Kempten and Memmingen in Bavaria. Focus is on the hydropower plant Altusried. 2. Case study for existing hydropower plants and fish passages at the river Iller The main areas of interest are ecological connectivity at water-retaining structures and the protection of the fish population in accordance with the European Water Framework Directive. Development of measures to improve fish population in Alpine Rivers in Bavaria (e. g. Iller, Lech, Danube) to alleviate the negative impacts of hydropower plants on river ecosystems

The objective of the pilot activity is to carry out a special monitoring of fish fauna at hydropower plants and to optimize the construction and operation of existing hydropower plants and fish passages to minimize negative impacts on fish.

3. Map

4. Training session for regional stakeholders BEW will elaborate the ecological monitoring in close cooperation with the the relevant stakeholders, e.g. authorities, NGOs, politicians, local communities. In 2014, BEW will organize a training session for regional stakeholders at the hydropower plant Altusried.

HPP Altusried, Iller © LEW/Wagner

HPP Altusried, Iller © LEW/Wagner HPP Altusried, Iller © LEW


Pilot region Bavaria Altusried barrage

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5. Ideas and solutions to solve the conflicts •Case study for existing hydropower plants and fish passages at the river Iller •Survey of current fish populations and ecological status of the water body will help to define a reference state and a specific environmental policy guideline in accordance with the European Water Framework Directive. •In a second step, the comparison of the current situation with the reference state will give an overview about the environmental status of the water body. •Development of an evaluation criteria catalogue •Identification / development of measures to reach the objectives of the policy guideline

© www.fotolia.de Fish passage at the Iller HPP Legau © LEW/Sanz

Habitat structures for young fish Monitoring

1. Introduction of main scenarios of the pilot area

3. Maps which locates the conflicts

Mis Valley has distinctive features: Its karst canyons and ravines, and its "wet biotopes" (lake, waterfalls, karst springs and potholes) lend it a somewhat enigmatic charm. Tourist attractions: Val Falcina Info Point with picnic area and small campsite, Campanula Morettiana Botanical Garden, nature trails of Cadini Brenton and Val Falcina Presence of small communities and mainly abandoned rural settlements The central part of valley does not have electricity; a court ruling has blocked construction of a small hydropower plant in the park area Recent proposal from Sospirolo for restoration of an old small hydropower plantExamples of applicable ecosystem services: provision of forest and agricultural products/fresh potable water, water quality, ecological habitat quality, aesthetical value, recreational value, intrinsic value

2. Description of the conflicts in the pilot area between eco system services and renewable energies for the main scenarios

Maè Valley is characterized by the presence of exceptional natural treasures and symbolic landmarks (Pelmo, Civetta, Moiazza), geological sites (dinosaur footprints), and old mining sites Tourist attractions: Nature trail along Pramper Valley within the National Park and many other hiking trails at high altitude Important large forest areas with tradtional use of wood for heating and construction; collective use rights of forest and pasture lands Presence of small villages at high altitude and houses with traditional wood structure, Problems linked to demographic decline, abandonment of farming and pasture management, excessive vacation housing development. Massive use of water for hydropower and artificial state of streams after the flood event in 1966 Examples of applicable ecosystem services : provision of forest and agricultural production/ fresh-potable water, protection against natural hazards, water quality, ecological habitat quality, aesthetical value, recreational value, intrinsic value

Mis Valley “We have valleys that I have never seen anywhere else”

(Dino Buzzati, famous writer from Belluno)

Maè Valley Unspoilt nature a few miles from major roads

Mis Valley is one of the most evocative places in the Belluno Province, in the central part of the Dolomiti National Park. It covers an area of 11.800 ha, and it is crossed by the 22 km long Mis Stream. It includes Sospirolo and Gosaldo Municipalities, characterized by small villages concentrated in the northern and the southern part of the area. Most of the area was abandoned, partly for the creation of an artificial lake (Mis Lake) in the period 1957-1962, and partly as a consequence of the effects of the great flood in 1966. This Valley is also interesting because it is part of a Natura 2000 Network and the Dolomiti UNESCO site.

Maè Valley covers an area of 23.300 ha and is crossed by the 33 km long Maè Stream. Important small towns are Longarone, Forno di Zoldo, Zoldo Alto and Zoppè, in addition to small mountain villages. In 1956 a dam was built with the consequent formation of the Pontesei Lake, now one of the most important hydropower plants of the area. This Valley is also interesting because it is part of a Natura 2000 Network and part of the Dolomiti UNESCO site.

Map of first results of renewable energy systems data collection (green: existing systems/authorized clearance; yellow: clearance scheme in progress)

Map of first results of renewable energy systems data collection (green: existing systems/authorized clearance; yellow: clearance scheme in progress; red: abolished authorization judgement n. 19389/12)

Basin (ha) 11800

Mis Lake (ha) 110

Mis Stream (Km) 22

National Park (ha) 6500

Nature 2000 Net. (ha) 6850

Forest Area (ha) 7523

Dolomiti Unesco Site (ha) 3400

Sospirolo Municipality (ab) 3237

Gosaldo Municipality (ab) 762

Basin (ha) 23300

Pontesei Lake (ha) 5

Maè Stream (Km) 33

National Park (ha) 3095

Nature 2000 Net. (ha) 10450

Forest Area (ha) 19152

Dolomiti Unesco Site (ha) 4550

Longarone Municipality (ab) 4047

Zoldo Alto Municipality (ab) 1058

Forno di Zoldo Municipality (ab) 2598

Zoppè di Cadore Municipality (ab) 271

Conflicts in Belluno Province: could there be a future solution ?

5. Ideas/ solutions to solve the conflicts

July 28, 2013: Peaceful march along the Agordina valley against over 100 requests fornew hydroelectric grants in Belluno Province The Commmitee Bene leads the battle for the .

A "Blue Table" for recreational fishing: associations of Veneto for fishing togheter with Regional boards tackle the problem of small hydropower plants and their interference with the river environment. The tasks of

hydropow

opowopow is to

develop a strategic plan for sport fishing and to address and resolve together the associations the problems about environmental sustainability not only of recreational fishing, but also of aquatic life. (October 2013)

This judgment, in relation to the National Framework Law on Protected Areas L. 394/1991, establishes that within the Reserve Areas it is forbidden to modify the hydrological regime as this could compromise the safeguarding of landscapes and natural environments. The judgement blocked the construction of a hydropower plant in Mis valley that had been authorized following an environmental impact assessment procedure. (November 2012)

Written question presented to the Commission from an Italian member

of the European Parliament about the problem of excessive exploitation for hydropower: 90% of the rivers in Piave basin already have hydropower plants and extraction of water, now several other projects are foreseen; Violation of the Water Framework Directive that instructs memberStates to improve water quality protection; Violation of the EIA Directive considering that the cumulative impacts are not evaluated for several small hydropower plants (July 2013).

4. Regional communication strategy: How the pilot area involves stakeholders and citizens

Vajont 9 October 1963: at 10.39 p.m. about 260 million cubic metres of rock slid down the slopes of Mount Toc within the artificial Vajont dam, causing a huge wave of water that crashed on the underlying villages of Longarone, Castellavazzo, Erto and Casso. An avalanche of water and debris caused thedestruction and the death of 1,910 people. This event has marked the history of Italy, but even more the history of the people of those lands.

Strengthen the relationship between stakeholders at various levels, from local institutions, communities, decisionmakers to energy producers, to build shared energy planning platform Increase the understanding of ecosystem services concepts and their evaluation at stakeholders level also through the future help of Padova University Devise measures for providing appropriate compensation to local communities Include the concepts and the methodology in a local renewable energy plan and Propose modifications/adaptations to existing national/regional laws and procedures

Apply a social impact assessment procedure following the steps proposed by Institute of Agricoltural Research Counsil - Villazzano (TN), Collect the feedback with round tables, and feed the results into decision support systems Communicate the results of decision support systems to stakeholders (workshops and training sessions)

Pilot Area Triglav National ParkRenata Rozman1

, Tomaž Kralj 1, Andrej Arih 1, Miha Marolt 1, Špela Ščap 2, Aleš Poljanec 3, Borut Vršaj 4;

1 – TNP, 2 - University of Ljubljana, 3 – Slovenian Forest Service, 4 - Agricultural Institute of Slovenia

1. Introduction of main scenarios of the pilot area

Pilot Area Triglav National ParkGreen energy. For plants. For animals. For people.

2. Description of the conflicts in the pilot area between ecosystem services and renewable energies for the main scenarios

3. The regional communication strategy

4. Involvement of stakeholders and citizens and ideas/solutions to solve the conflicts

Pilot Area Triglav National Park Green energy. For plants. For animals. For people.

5. Maps which locates the conflicts

Scenario 0 - Business as usual Scenario 1 and Scenario 2- natural component and supporting services stressed

Scenario 3 and Scenario 4 – biomass production stressed

New potential sources of hydroelectricity in mountain Stream flow, wastewater and water drinking network

1. Introduction of main scenarios of the pilot area The Northern French Alps have significant freshwater resources which provide hydroelectric power . However, the impacts of dams raise environmental and ecological questions. All the most favourable sites for hydroelectricity production are already used.

Technological progress could lead to an increased number of local scale projects, some of them using drinking water and waste water pipe networks for hydroelectricity production . Within the recharge.green project we analyse the relevance of an increased contribution of local hydroelectricity production in the energy production mix. We define trajectories of renewable energy development through a decision-support system that takes into account multiple objectives, such as :

-constraints (that have to be respected): environmental legal framework, legal priorities in water uses (drinking water vs. other uses), management constraints and objectives of widely distributed local small hydropower production plants, -criteria (that can be optimized): increase of potential use of renewable energy , increase of ecosystem services restoration or preservation, economic viability considering investments costs and energy market.

We include projections of the impacts of different climatic scenarios to better anticipate possible conflicts and find an optimal trajectory for maximal renewable energy production considering all ecological and social constraints.

2. Description of the conflicts in the pilot area between eco system services and renewable energy form for the main scenarios

Conflicts could be different considering expected levels of territory management and hydroelectricity production from rivers, drinking water or waste water pipe networks:

-water sharing issues : drinking water vs. turbine discharges, environmental legal framework (water uses priorities,stream flow), -wetlands and minimal ecological discharges - surrounding aquatic ecosystems both upstream and downstream of the micro-plant site, due to irregular stream flows and diversion of parts of the flow, possible pollution, -constraints due to temporal variability of waste water inputs (i.e. during holidays), -uncertainties on hydrologic regimes considering climate change while aiming at preserving and restoring ecosystem services (e.g. soils and biodiversity), -impacts on land-uses and urbanization plans (i.e. networks, reservoirs and civil construction), -cultural aspects.

Water drinking supply, a new way for hydroelectricity production in mountain areas ? Picture: Town of Megève (France)

All the most favourable sites for generating hydroelectricity in France are already used Picture: Dam of Roseland (France)

© TENEVIA © TENEVIA

Potential of socio-hydrological models for addressing long term and short term critical issues for stakeholders

New potential sources of hydroelectricity in mountain Stream flow, wastewater and water drinking network

3. Representation of conflicts and hydrological processes

Use of drinking water and wastewater networks to produce electricity raises questions concerning water availability and the impact of these new practices on the water resource. Indeed, the development of these practices in mountains has to be reconciled with already ongoing uses (artificial snow production, irrigation, y ongoing (ar w pr , irriga

We must define indicators for the development of these practices that allow us to integrate multiple factors in the planning process. 4. The regional communication strategy: How the pilot area involves the stakeholders and citizens

Analysis of available solutions and development of the decision support tool will be tested in 3 pilot municipalities (Megève, Valloire, Belledonne mountain massif). The analysis includes interviews, workshops and training sessions to facilitate knowledge transfer between key stakeholders (citizens, authorities & decision makers and renewable energy producers).

Also, the French Mountain Institute involves several partners or organisations that may be directly interested in the results of the project in the context of local energy and project meetings, such as public authorities and elected representatives from the pilot areas and other French mountain regions. Our participation in the C3-Alps (Capitalising Climate Change Knowledge for Adaptation in the Alpine Space) may be an opportunity to offer dissemination and capitalization opportunities and promote recharge.green in cross-sectoral capitalization effort. The communication strategy also includes press texts about activities, and regular reports via the French Mountain Institute web site: www.institut-montagne.org

5. Ideas/ solutions to solve the conflicts Whatever type of hydropower installation is chosen (small river, wastewater network or drinking water supply) it should be based on the valuation of natural resources & anthropogenic pressure.

Rather than focus on technological equipment, we suggest to study through integrated hydrological model simulations the surrounding natural environment and the water uses that govern the variability of the pressure on available water resources. Our main challenge is to estimate these contributions by implementing an approach to perform a prospective analysis in the context of climate change and changes in water uses, representing flows and stocks in anthropic watersheds. The main advantages of this approach are:

-a flexible modelling framework that can "easily" adapt existing models to specific contexts, -a formulation based on the description of physical processes, -this formulation is spatial in the sense that it predicts different hydrological flows (runoff, infiltration, percolation, evapotranspiration) at all points in a basin, -the definition of a hydrological similarity index that allows an elegant and numerically very efficient calculations resolution .

The main anthropogenic effects are represented by the introduction of sources and sinks or by changes in the pattern of drainage. In contrast to overall conceptual models , distributed modelling based on the description of physical processes is much better suited to the analysis approach in non-stationary hydro- climatic conditions. This work will allow us to establish vulnerability and opportunity indicators, pressures on water resources and hydropower potential of the sites according to different scenarios of climate change, water resource management and water consumption .

Wastewater, another source of hydroelectricity for mountain territories ?

A developed tool to evaluate impacts on

the water resource

© TENEVIA

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Conceptual framework for EU wide ecosystem assessments. Source: MAES (2013)

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aesthetical value3

(e.g. beuty of whole scenery)

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((((((ee.ggggg. . . . fffffffffor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eor eagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagleagles)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s)s) natural hazards protection2

(e.g. by forest)

carbon sequestration2

(e.g. of peat)

possibility for recreation3

(e.g. hiking trails)

2

(e.g. by soil)

provision with goods1

(e.g. fodder for domnestic animals)

diverse natural habitats2

(e.g. for eagles)

The concept of Ecosystem Services

space required for RE

limited space available

global CO2 targets

local environm. prot.

high RE potential

ESS provide a conceptual basis for handling the multiple dimensions of

in face of expanding RE

DSS tool to in face of expanding RE

high biodiversity

Incorporation of ESS in Strategic Environmental Assessments

ESS as „soft“ framework

neither in „priority“ nor „no-go-area“ category

Alps:

RE:

Various RE sources versus various Ecosystem ServicesCultural Services

Ecosystem outputs

that have symbolic,

cultural or intellectual

categories

(CICES)

Ecosystem services are not unlimited but increasingly threatened by human

activities; Linkage between ecosystems and human wellbeing?why ESS?

Provisioning

Services

Materials and energy

outputs obtained

from ecosystems

Regulation & Mainte-

nance Services

All ways in which

ecosystems control

or modify biotic or

abiotic parameters

Ecosystem services are the

To help inform decision-makers, ecosystem services are being mapped for

highlighting their spatial occurrence and/or are being assigned economic

values (e.g. replacement cost of anthropogenic alternatives)

links to

decision

making?

context

potential

for

solutionssolutid

tradeo

tradeo renewable en

ergy

eco

syst

em

services

citizens economy nature conservation p

olitic

s

renewableen

ergy

syst

em

services

citizens

eco n

politic

s

Ecosystem Services examples based on an alpine landscape. Photo(-monatage): Richard Hastik

Holding the balance in the Alps: Can we meet the bioenergy target while preserving ecosystems services? Kraxner F.(1), Leduc S. (1), Kindermann G. (1), Forsell N. (1), Fuss S. (2,1)

(1) International Institute for Applied Systems Analyses, Laxenburg, Austria

(2) Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany

Figure 2: BeWhere estimates the optimal allocation of bioenergy production plants and associated harvesting intensity. Source: BeWhere www.iiasa.ac.at/Bewhere

1. Scenarios The trade-offs for renewable energy production with other ecosystems services are identified and assessed. In this case study, the focus is on one key ecosystems service: carbon sequestration. Two scenarios are created by variations in the rotation time and forest management.

2. Mapping Trade-Offs

Figure 1. Carbon stock that can be sequestered in the Alpine region for scenario S1 (left) and scenario S2 (right): double the amount of harvesting potential is available under S2 (23 MtC/a) compared to S1 (11 MtC/a), but the carbon stock under S1 is almost double compared to S2. For both scenarios, sustainable forest management practices and no forest degradation, deforestation and afforestation are assumed.

Figure 2. BeWhere model (optimizing bioenergy plant locations) results: for the same production of combined heat and power, scenario S1 (left) indicates that sequestration requires a much more harvesting pattern at lower intensity rates and scenario S2 (right) will lead to intensification. 3. Conclusions

- Both scenarios indicate a high sustainable and economic potential of bioenergy production in the Alps. - Similar energy demand can be met under both scenarios. However, sequestration maximization does not

allow for lower-cost, high-intensity harvesting practices. - The pros and cons of bioenergy production have to be weighed against each other in an integrated and

systematic manner while considering trade-offs with ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration.

4. Work in Progress

- A ranking of ecosystem services will be developed based on interviews with experts. - The bio-energy potential in the Alpine region will be analyzed for a series of scenarios progressively

excluding these ranks of ecosystem services. - Extension to other renewable energy resources (wind, hydro, solar).

S1: Carbon sequestration scenario (increment) S2: Biomass production scenario (increment)

Figure 1: G4M estimates the impact of forestry activities on carbon sequestration and supply of biomass in the Alps (258,000 km2 total area, 115,000 km2 forest). Source: G4M www.iiasa.ac.at/g4m

S1: Carbon sequestration scenario (stock) S2: Biomass production scenario (stock)

tC/ha tC/ha 1,000 m3 1,000 m3

tC/ha tC/ha

November 2013

Carbon Sequestration (S1) Biomass Production (S2)

Increased forest rotation period Decreased forest rotation period A rotation period is selected that leads to maximum

storage of carbon in forest. (Otherwise, damage through ageing trees gets too high).

A rotation period is selected that maximizes forest growth: high availability of biomass for energy

generation.

mid-term conference of recharge€¦ · 2. conference conclusions demanding yet promising: the...

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