In the recent vote, the electorate of the municipality of Oberiberg in the canton of Schwyz expressed their opposition to the planned alpine solar project - Alpin Solar Ybrig. Axpo and the local energy provider - EWS AG are disappointed about their decision.
Due to the negative result of the vote, the project will not be pursued further. However, both companies remain firmly committed to developing further projects in the field of renewable energy.
Alpin Solar Ybrig solar project opposed
Axpo and EWS AG intended to build an alpine solar plant in the municipality of Oberiberg
Axpo and EWS AG intended to build an alpine solar plant in the municipality of Oberiberg, together with landowner - Genossame Schwyz. Alpin Solar Ybrig, a 9 MWp ground-mounted installation, had been planned for an area of around nine hectares on existing pastureland in the Roggenegg area.
The area concerned would have still been usable for alpine farming, after the construction of the solar plant. The annual output of over 12 gigawatt hours of electricity would have been enough to supply more than 2,600 households and, above all, would have provided vital winter electricity during the colder months.
Electorate of the Oberiberg municipality oppose the project
The electorate of the municipality of Oberiberg expressed their opposition to the project at the polls (Yes: 250/ No: 261). The approval of the local municipality for the project is necessary for the realization of the alpine solar plant. Due to the negative decision, the ‘Alpin Solar Ybrig’ project will not be pursued further.
Peter Suter, CEO of EWS AG, says that every effort was made to involve the local residents and address their concerns: “We worked very closely with the community and the local partners and held numerous events to highlight the benefits of the project. We are disappointed with today’s decision.”
He adds, “We are convinced that ‘Alpin Solar Ybrig’ would not only have helped to strengthen regional energy supply but but would also have made economic sense for the municipality.”
Push forward with the Axpo solar offensive
Despite the negative decision by the people of Oberiberg, Axpo remains firmly committed to renewable energy and intends to push forward with the Axpo solar offensive. Across Switzerland, the majority of alpine solar projects have been approved to date.
Axpo remains confident that it will continue to realize sustainable energy solutions in cooperation with local communities in the future.