Sustainable hydropower between climate protection and biodiversity

Hydropower as a renewable energy source plays an important role in decarbonising the energy system and should therefore be further developed in the EU and in Austria. Since the expansion of hydropower requires the use of natural resources, tensions with other policy goals such as species, site and biodiversity protection usually arise. The seminar "Sustainable hydropower between climate protection and biodiversity", organised by the Austrian Water and Waste Association (ÖWAV – Österreichischer Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaftsverband), aims to answer questions such as: What approaches are foreseen at the European level to achieve energy transition and biodiversity goals? What are the planned expansion targets for renewable energies in Austria and what are the requirements and expectations for hydropower? Are the energy targets compatible with the biodiversity strategy? Are the necessary technical foundations and legal frameworks in place to ensure a balance of interests?

Schoenherr Counsel Christoph Cudlik will talk about legal obstacles and possible solutions for the implementation of energy and biodiversity strategies addressing these questions.

More information about the event can be found here.