EWD and Swisspower plan alpine solar plant in the Persenn area
In cooperation with Swisspower, EWD Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG is planning an alpine photovoltaic system in the Parsenn ski area. The construction measure is to be integrated into the existing mountain railway infrastructure in a way that protects the landscape. The population must give the green light so that construction work can start in 2024.
EWD Elektrizität Davos is investing in domestic electricity production with the planned construction of an alpine solar plant in the Parsenn region. This should lead to more independence from electricity imports, according to a media release.
The municipality of Davos and the municipal utility alliance Swisspower are participating in the planning. Other supporters are Energie Wasser Bern and the Basel energy supplier IWB, as well as Energie Thun AG. The annual production in full operation is estimated at 10 gigawatt hours, which corresponds to the electricity needs of 3000 four-person households.
Totalp in the Parsenn area was chosen as the location for the photovoltaic plant. Due to its location in a skiing area with an existing mountain railway infrastructure, the site is well connected. The plans were made with consideration for valuable cultural and pasture land in the ski region. Electricity production in the immediate vicinity of consumers, chairlifts and gondolas reduces transport losses. In addition, the plant is shielded on the valley side, so that “no reflections or adverse effects on the population” are to be expected. Even before the power shortage, the sustainable energy future through photovoltaic systems in the mountains was a topic in Davos. Compared to the Central Plateau, the region benefits from many hours of sunshine, even in winter.
Following the approval of the Davos government, the project will be debated in the Davos parliament at the beginning of November. Afterwards, the population will vote. If the referendum is positive, construction work is to begin in 2024. The goal is to put the first parts of the plant into operation by December 2025.