Executive Summary

The Swiss Federal Council approved protection and utilization plans for three hydroelectric power projects on June 19, 2026. The projects concern the expansion of Lake Grimsel (Bern), as well as utilizations on the Muota (Schwyz) and Morobbia (Ticino). The measures enable an increase in electricity production while simultaneously ensuring the protection of water bodies and habitats through compensatory measures. Kraftwerke Oberhasli (KWO) will increase their annual energy production from 270 to 510 GWh; at the Muota, no production losses will occur.

Persons

  • Federal Council (collective body; decision-maker)

Topics

  • Hydroelectric power and energy production
  • Water protection and residual water volumes
  • Environmental compensatory measures
  • Swiss energy policy

Clarus Lead

The approval signals a reorientation of Swiss energy policy: hydroelectric power is prioritized as a key technology for electricity supply without fundamentally abandoning environmental protection. The Federal Council thereby legitimizes a model in which residual water minima may be undercut – provided that compensatory measures are provided. This decision could set a precedent for future concession renewals and will be regarded as a test for the feasibility of dual objectives in the debate between energy transition and nature conservation.

Detailed Summary

The three approved protection and utilization plans follow different scenarios. In the Haslital (Bern), KWO raises two dam walls by 23 meters, significantly increasing water storage. Annual electricity production increases by 240 GWh to a total of 510 GWh. To compensate, residual water volumes at four intake points are increased and an additional 8 GWh is gained through reduced or eliminated residual water releases on steep short stretches – water bodies that the Federal Council classifies as ecologically limited and fishless.

On the Morobbia (Ticino), Azienda Multiservizi Bellinzona (AMB) pursues an optimization strategy: by forgoing residual water releases at one intake and reducing them at another, annual production decreases by 3.74 GWh to approximately 38 GWh. Several compensatory measures in the catchment area are intended to improve water quality.

On the Muota (Schwyz), ebs Energie AG relies on differentiated seasonal residual water regulations: seven intakes receive reduced volumes, one intake operates without residual water release. In return, other intakes are upgraded during certain months, planned new construction is eliminated, and revitalization measures are carried out. Overall production remains unchanged. The Water Protection Act permits such undercuts of the statutory minimum in exceptional cases when appropriate compensatory measures are in place – a regulation that has been anchored since 1991.

Key Statements

  • The Federal Council approves three hydroelectric power projects with a combined focus on energy production and water protection.
  • KWO increases its annual production by 240 GWh through dam wall raising in the Haslital.
  • Compensatory measures (increased residual water volumes, revitalizations, upgrades) offset ecological impacts.
  • Residual water undercuts are legally permissible when compensation is demonstrated.

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: On what ecological baseline were the "limited ecological potentials" of the short stretches in the Haslital evaluated? Were independent environmental assessments consulted?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent have the cantons, as concession grantors, weighted their own energy interests in assessing compensatory measures?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Were alternative scenarios (e.g., without dam wall raising, with lower electricity increases) systematically analyzed and rejected?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: How is the actual implementation of compensatory measures (revitalizations, seasonal residual water increases) monitored and sanctioned if they fail to occur?

  5. Data Quality: Are the projected production increases (e.g., +240 GWh KWO) calculated on the basis of current hydrological models or historical averages?

  6. Side Effects: What cumulative effects result from simultaneous residual water reductions at multiple intakes of the same water bodies?

Bibliography

Primary Source: [Federal Council approves protection and utilization plans for three hydroelectric power projects] – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/KNhapaXJQangOiyvS-5Zq

Verification Status: ✓ 19.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 19.06.2026