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Hydropower Potential in the Periglacial Environment of Switzerland under Climate Change

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Ehrbar

    (Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Lukas Schmocker

    (Swiss Competence Center for Energy Research (SCCER-SoE), ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • David F. Vetsch

    (Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Robert M. Boes

    (Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland)

Abstract

Hydropower is the most important domestic source of renewable energy in Switzerland. Many reservoirs are located in the periglacial environment of the Swiss Alps. Climate change and the changeover to a new energy system will challenge the existing infrastructure, but will also provide perspectives for new hydropower plants (HPPs). This study presents a framework for the systematic analysis of the hydropower potential of the periglacial Swiss Alps. The results are referenced to the Swiss Energy Strategy and other potential courses of action, such as upgrade of existing infrastructure. An evaluation matrix with 16 economical, environmental and social criteria for the consistent rating of all feasible sites is proposed. All criteria and their ratings are explained. It is demonstrated that the chosen methodology leads to a relatively stable ranking even for significantly different weighting models. Although being affected by uncertainties and remaining challenges, the methodology and results are sufficiently detailed for decision-making. Therefore, recommendations for future hydropower investments can be given. The results are strongly linked to Swiss boundary conditions, but the methodology itself is generally applicable for all glaciers worldwide, if the required input data are available.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Ehrbar & Lukas Schmocker & David F. Vetsch & Robert M. Boes, 2018. "Hydropower Potential in the Periglacial Environment of Switzerland under Climate Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2794-:d:162371
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Werner Hediger, 2018. "The Corporate Social Responsibility of Hydropower Companies in Alpine Regions—Theory and Policy Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Elke Kellner, 2019. "Social Acceptance of a Multi-Purpose Reservoir in a Recently Deglaciated Landscape in the Swiss Alps," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-22, July.
    3. Daniel Ehrbar & Lukas Schmocker & Michael Doering & Marco Cortesi & Gérald Bourban & Robert M. Boes & David F. Vetsch, 2018. "Continuous Seasonal and Large-Scale Periglacial Reservoir Sedimentation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-16, September.
    4. Amirali Amir Jabbari & Ali Nazemi, 2019. "Alterations in Canadian Hydropower Production Potential Due to Continuation of Historical Trends in Climate Variables," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(4), pages 1-29, September.
    5. Bekker, A. & Van Dijk, M. & Niebuhr, C.M., 2022. "A review of low head hydropower at wastewater treatment works and development of an evaluation framework for South Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    6. Nauman Riyaz Maldar & Cheng Yee Ng & Lee Woen Ean & Elif Oguz & Ahmad Fitriadhy & Hooi Siang Kang, 2020. "A Comparative Study on the Performance of a Horizontal Axis Ocean Current Turbine Considering Deflector and Operating Depths," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-22, April.
    7. Plaga, Leonie Sara & Bertsch, Valentin, 2023. "Methods for assessing climate uncertainty in energy system models — A systematic literature review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    8. Gregory Giuliani & Elvire Egger & Julie Italiano & Charlotte Poussin & Jean-Philippe Richard & Bruno Chatenoux, 2020. "Essential Variables for Environmental Monitoring: What Are the Possible Contributions of Earth Observation Data Cubes?," Data, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-25, October.
    9. Peter Tauš & Martin Beer, 2022. "Evaluation of the Hydropower Potential of the Torysa River and Its Energy Use in the Process of Reducing Energy Poverty of Local Communities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-15, May.
    10. Bilgili, Faik & Lorente, Daniel Balsalobre & Kuşkaya, Sevda & Ünlü, Fatma & Gençoğlu, Pelin & Rosha, Pali, 2021. "The role of hydropower energy in the level of CO2 emissions: An application of continuous wavelet transform," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 283-294.

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