Green and Environmental Organizations Delighted at Rejection of Solar Decree
Published: Sunday, Sep 10th 2023, 14:40
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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The people of Wallis in Switzerland have voted against a proposed accelerated process for the construction of large solar power plants in the Alps. The referendum was won by an alliance of left-wing parties, the Unterwalliser SVP and environmental organisations. The Green Party and environmental organisations have welcomed the referendum result, while the losers are now calling for "implementable solutions". The Green Party of Wallis described the result as a "victory of common sense over greed" on the social media platform X. Balthasar Glättli, President of the Green Party of Switzerland, also commented on X, saying that a quick and intelligent expansion of solar energy can only be achieved by building on and alongside existing infrastructure. Pro Natura-Geschäftsführer Jérémy Savioz also commented that the result reflected a balancing of interests that the authorities had not undertaken. The people of Wallis had shown that they rejected the "destruction of the last wild landscapes in their mountains" and wanted an "intelligent development of solar energy". The Swiss Energy Foundation (SES) also believes that environmental criteria must be of central importance in the future planning of solar plants in the mountains. The Canton of Bern could take on a role model here. There, the responsible authorities worked in consultation with environmental organisations and other interest groups to create a list of locations for alpine solar parks. This support was lacking in the neighbouring Canton of Wallis. The supporters of the decree, on the other hand, expressed their disappointment that the campaign had become an "emotional confrontation for or against alpine solar energy". They now expect the opponents of the decree to provide "politically and technically implementable solutions for future supply". Jacques Bourgeois (FDP/FR), President of the National Council's Environment and Energy Commission (Urek-N), also expressed his regret at the "surprising" rejection of the decree. He said that they must now analyse whether the decision has any implications at the national level. However, he said that it is not necessarily transferable to other cantons. In order to avoid a serious electricity shortage, the federal government must move forward and boost domestic renewable production. Solar energy can make a significant contribution to this.nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
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