The electorate in the municipality of Ilanz/Glion voted against two of Axpo’s planned solar installations yesterday. Axpo greatly regrets this decision and is now forced to shelve two solar projects in the municipality. Nonetheless, Axpo remains committed to its solar offensive.
Axpo planned to build two alpine solar projects, on Alp da Schnaus and Alp da Rueun in the municipality of Ilanz/Glion. The two plants would have had a combined installed capacity of around 45 megawatt peak (MWp) and were intended to supply sustainable electricity for over 14,000 households in the region – particularly in the winter months.
Supply sustainable electricity
Yesterday the electorate voted down both projects. In the wake of this clear referendum result, and given the tight deadlines of the federal ‘Solar Express’, Axpo will not be pursuing the two projects in the Ilanz/Glion municipality further. From a technical standpoint, the two project sites had ideal prerequisites for the production of solar power.
“Axpo greatly regrets the results of the referendum in the Ilanz/Glion municipality. Despite the outcome of this local referendum, we remain committed to our solar offensive. Positive examples such as the projects in Tujetsch and Disentis demonstrate that local authorities and Axpo can work together to produce successful, sustainable solutions for renewable energy,” says Oliver Hugi, Head of Axpo Solar Switzerland.
