WWF Calls for Safety Review of Kaunertal Hydropower Plant

In a significant move, the environmental organization WWF Austria is urging the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) authority to conduct a comprehensive and independent safety review of the Kaunertal hydropower expansion project. This request aims to assess current natural hazard risks associated with both the existing reservoir and the proposed development.

The call for a new evaluation comes in light of recent findings that highlight substantial safety concerns regarding the project. WWF representatives stress that the previous assessment conducted by the Austrian Reservoir Commission is outdated, having been completed over a decade ago in 2013. At that time, crucial factors related to the impacts of climate change were not taken into consideration.

Recent expert analysis by Dr. Wilfried Haeberli, a noted geomorphologist, has revealed alarming risks linked to various natural hazards in the Kaunertal area. These include the emergence of new glacial lakes, a phenomenon that, according to Tiwag, the project developer, had previously been dismissed. Furthermore, the increased frequency of rockfalls due to permafrost thawing poses a serious threat, potentially leading to dangerous flooding events.

WWF experts assert that the acknowledgment of serious hazards not included in the project's documentation should prompt an immediate halt to the development process. They emphasize the importance of public safety, urging the EIA authority to mandate the Reservoir Commission to rectify these oversights as part of the completeness check for the EIA.

The Austrian Reservoir Commission plays a critical role in the technical assessment of dams and reservoirs, comprising esteemed experts in the field along with representatives from the water management sector. Their mandate is to ensure that the safety and operational integrity of these structures are maintained in accordance with contemporary engineering standards.

As discussions surrounding the Kaunertal hydropower project continue, WWF Austria remains vigilant in advocating for the environment and community safety, stressing that thorough evaluations are essential to mitigate potential hazards that could affect local populations.