IWB tests alpine solar plant on Melchsee-Frutt
A solar plant could be built on Melchsee-Frutt. The Basel-based energy supplier IWB is now examining the feasibility with the Kerns Alp Cooperative. The impact of electricity generation on alpine pasture management and the environment will also be analysed.
IWB has concluded a cooperation agreement with the Kerns Alpine Cooperative outside the stone bridge. According to a press release, the agreement provides for the feasibility of a solar plant on the Melchsee-Frutt plateau to be examined. In addition to the technical details, the effects of a photovoltaic system on the existing management and the environment will also be analysed.
The good accessibility, the high altitude and the snow favour the production of electricity, especially in winter, according to the statement. The plant would be connected to the Obwalden electricity company.
The two contract partners have already begun talks with the municipality of Kerns and the canton of Obwalden. Other stakeholders and environmental organisations are also to be included in the talks.
Markus Ettlin-Niederberger, president of the Kerns Alpine Cooperative, welcomes the expansion of the project. “We can make an active contribution to a renewable and secure energy supply and even increase local added value,” he is quoted as saying in the press release. Pascal Semlitsch also sees great potential in the project. “Melchsee-Frutt offers very good conditions for an alpine solar plant,” the head of investments at IWB is quoted as saying. “We have the goal that more renewable, domestic solar power can be produced very locally and in an environmentally friendly way.”
IWB has already built an alpine solar plant at the Muttsee dam in the canton of Glarus together with Axpo.