For the next five years Alpiq's Ruppoldingen run-of-river power station is permitted to bear the "naturemade star" seal of quality. The power station located on the River Aare near Rothrist in the Swiss canton of Solothurn has once again received the highest award for energy that is generated in a particularly environmentally friendly manner. With this certification, Ruppoldingen fulfils the strict standards of the Association for Environmentally Sound Energy VUE, which awards the "naturemade star" seal of quality. The seal of quality is valid until 31 December 2020 and identifies electricity from 100 percent renewable energy sources, generated by ecologically exemplary hydroelectric power stations and guarantees compliance with strict and comprehensive environmental standards relating to, for example, residual water flows, water protection, fish migration facilities or bed load management.
Alpiq supports roughly 50 environmental projects
Certified power stations commit to further improving their surrounding environment and maintaining a fund for ecological improvement measures. With a total of approximately CHF 5 million from the Ruppoldingen power station's fund, Alpiq supports roughly 50 revitalisation projects in the region along the River Aare. The most recent projects include a new habitat for amphibians in the Grien floodplain of the Aare in Erlinsbach and the construction of a new spawning ground for amphibians in Balsthal. The project on the River Aare was awarded CHF 167,000 from the Ruppoldingen power station's naturemade star fund and the spawning pool in Balsthal CHF 63,000. By purchasing certified "naturemade star" electricity, every electricity customer supports the environmental revaluation of water landscapes.
Alpiq is a reliable and competent hydropower specialist
The Ruppoldingen power station is operated by Alpiq Hydro Aare AG, an Alpiq Group company. The power station is equipped with two pipe turbines with an output of 23 MW and generates approximately 115 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. With approximately 2,700 megawatt of installed capacity, hydroelectric power is an important pillar of Alpiq's generation portfolio. As a reliable and competent hydropower specialist, Alpiq is fully committed to the future of Swiss hydropower, in order to ensure that this domestic renewable energy source remains the backbone of the Swiss energy supply.