Biodiversity

Vattenfall is deeply engaged in the protection of flora and fauna surrounding its facilities. This is often a requirement to be granted permits for the operation of power plants and electricity distribution networks by the regulatory authorities. In certain areas, we take a considerably greater responsibility for the protection of the surrounding nature than required by law.

As a part of the collation of background information for a certified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), the Biotope Method was developed (within the Vattenfall Group in Sweden) in order to quantify impacts on biodiversity. The method is an assessment tool for quantifying the impacts on biodiversity of land and water use.

In northern Sweden, Vattenfall has established a few protected areas along the Lule River to hinder future exploitation. These areas houses, or have the potential to house, rare species. The protection of these areas implies establishing long-term care plans leading to the preservation or development of environmental values. The areas are regularly inventoried and visitors are allowed access to suitable parts of the areas.

Environmental foundation

In Germany, Vattenfall Europe Umweltstiftung (Foundation) has financed more than 112 environmental projects since the start in 1994. The Foundation has an independent board of public representatives. It was founded with the primary objective to support nature conservation projects in Northern Germany but also to drive environmental projects and education.

Endangered species incorporated into operational plans

Recent Vattenfall studies show that many endangered species in Sweden have found refuge in land areas immediately beneath overhead transmission lines. Here, the biotope is much like the once common open landscape that was typical when the Swedish countryside still was characterised by small-scale farms. Sections of Vattenfall’s Swedish power line corridors have been declared “Natura 2000” areas. This means these areas represent valuable natural habitats to be preserved with the help and support of the EU, with the aim of protecting biodiversity.

Hydro power plants

Hydro power plants have a significant impact on biodiversity in rivers and streams, especially fish spawning grounds and the ability of fish to reach them. For this purpose, fish ladders for salmon and trout have been constructed on some of the regulated rivers where spawning areas exist upstream of the power stations. Every year, Vattenfall Nordic plants more than 1.3 million fish in rivers and streams.

Due to the diverse nature of Vattenfall’s operations and large number of sites, information on protected status and biodiversity values of water bodies is handled locally as it is most efficient.