To the media release dated 29 January 2024.
The plan was for a high-alpine PV system in Val Nandro above Savognin. Up to 66 GWh of solar power were to be produced annually on several surfaces adjacent to the Savognin ski area. This is equivalent to about two and a half times the electricity consumption of the municipality of Surses, including the cable cars.
- 26 September 2023: Media conference at Tinizong Town Hall
- 24 October 2023: Community information event in the multi-purpose hall in Savognin at 8:00 pm
- 8 November 2023: Installation of the test facility
- 15 January 2024: Community information event in the multi-purpose hall in Savognin at 7:00 pm
- 29 January 2024: Municipal assembly
Abundant sunlight, even in winter
With specific annual yields of up to 1,700 kWh/kWp, output power of around 38 MW, annual electricity production of 66 GWh and a winter electricity share of around 45%, the system boasts the ideal key figures for helping to secure the electricity supply in winter.
Existing infrastructure can be used
ewz is strongly rooted in the Grisons area and has been operating hydropower plants and distribution grids in the region for decades. The existing infrastructure facilities at the Nandro small hydropower plant can therefore also be used for the energy discharge from the PV plant. There is also an access road to Curtegns, which makes the construction logistics much easier.
No national or local conservation area affected
The planned PV system is to be installed adjacent to the Savognin ski area. The affected areas are not located in a national or local conservation area. The plan foresaw dual use – alpine farming and electricity generation. The PV system would not be visible from the valley.
This project will enable the municipality of Surses, together with the Val Nandro Alpine Corporation and ewz, to show that sustainable energy production in Switzerland can be expanded to ensure a secure energy supply.
Both the municipality and the Val Nandro Alpine Corporation, as manager of the land, should benefit from financial remuneration.
The PV system produces two and a half times more electricity from solar energy than the municipality of Surses consumes annually. The Surses Electricity Service, as the local energy supplier, will have the option of purchasing electricity from the PV system and supplying it to its end customers.
For the energy discharge from the PV system, ewz will install a 30kV transmission line from the Tinizong substation to Radons using the infrastructure at the Nandro small hydropower plant, most of which already exists. This will make it easy to supply future projects in Radons, such as a snow-making system. This would not be possible with the existing infrastructure.
ewz will set up a company for the construction and operation of the PV system, which will be based in the municipality of Surses. This will generate tax revenue in the municipality of Surses. It is also subject to property taxes.
Where possible, local companies will be considered for the work carried out during the construction and operational phases. This will increase added value in the region.
- Number of solar modules: 88,256 units
- Surface area: 665,000 m²
- Number of solar tables: 11,032 units
- Angle of solar modules: 65°
- Nominal output: 38 MWp
- Annual yield: 66 GWh
- Winter electricity share: 45.1%
- spec. yield for winter half-year: 770 kWh
- spec. yield year: 1,710 kWh
