Biodiversity measures connected to hydropower in Germany
Working with biodiversity and various species is an integrated part of hydropower operations in Germany.
Short facts
- Geesthacht, Hohenwarte, Niederwartha and Bleiloch
- Various species (e.g. birds of prey and alpine newt)
- Various measures for species in the region
- Continuous
At Geesthacht, 15 perches for birds of prey have been installed in the upper basin area in 2025, aiming to increase local populations of natural predators and promote on-site biodiversity.
In Hohenwarte I, Vattenfall has established winter quarters for the strictly protected alpine newt, native to the region, as an additional biodiversity measure. At Niederwartha, a power plant scheduled for decommissioning, mapping of relevant species is underway to assess the impacts of various decommissioning strategies—particularly significant given its partial location within and proximity to protected areas.
In Bleiloch and Hohenwarte, Vattenfall has been working in collaboration with the Thuringian government to implement several biodiversity measures. Measures include for example construction of a roost and a nesting place for bats, building of a house of swallows nearby the powerhouse, and biodiversity enhancement measures outside areas of the office building.
More about biodiversity
Biodiversity and nature protection are a priority at Vattenfall. It is one of the focus areas in our environmental policy and therefore also a central part in our environmental work.
How we make a difference for nature
Biodiversity is an important and integrated part of our work. Here, we show concrete examples of how we care for nature through our projects.
See also
Floating islands in Dalälven
Water levels in regulated rivers can change rapidly, making it challenging to provide stable shallow water habitats that are required for birds to find suitable nesting spots.
Restoring riparian vegetation in Umeälven
In regulated rivers with a high degree of hydropeaking (rapid, short-term fluctuations in river flow), natural erosion and sedimentation processes are altered resulting in unnaturally high e...
Testing “dancing rods” in practise
Vattenfall is testing new, behavioural guiding-methods to improve fish migration past hydropower stations.