Biotope restoration and species protection
Biotope restoration and species protection play a vital role in adapting hydropower to the environment.
Short facts
- Sweden and Finland
- Saimaa salmon, eel, noble crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel, trout, grayling, kestrels and bats.
- Support species and their living environments around hydropower operations
- Continuous
New initiatives are continually being explored to enhance the conservation efforts and support the diverse eco-systems around hydropower operations.
Here are some examples of biotope restoration projects for key species:
Saimaa salmon: Supporting research by the Natural Resources Institute Finland to restore the natural life cycle of this important species.
European eels: Part of the “Krafttag ål” project, involving the transport of spawning European eel past hydropower stations in the river Göta älv (ongoing).
Noble crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel, trout, and grayling: Engagement in biotope restoration of tributaries to the river Upperudsälven.
Sea trout: Participated in the ReTrout project to reintroduce sea trout by stocking roe in restored tributaries to the river Vindelälven.
Kestrels and bats: In 2023, Vattenfall Hydro Germany was awarded a certificate for species protection on buildings by Kulturbund, an acknowledged nature conservation association, honouring our actions for the protection of kestrels and bats at our Hohenwarte and Eichicht sites.
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.
See also
Conservation of lesser white-fronted goose in Sweden
The lesser white-fronted goose has declined since the 1940s, making it one of Sweden’s most threatened birds.
Salmon compensatory stocking
Swedish hydropower operators must breed and stock fish to offset habitat loss from regulation.
Sustainable food production at Scandinavia’s largest offshore wind farm
At Kriegers Flak, researchers test combining offshore wind with sustainable food production.