Sustainable development
Nant de Drance has chosen to base its sustainability approach on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide an important framework for any business seeking to give its activities a more sustainable focus. The 17 SDGs have become established as a standard and are recognised worldwide as an important call to action.
Main purpose of Nant de Drance SA
The main purpose of Nant de Drance SA is to produce and manage electricity from renewable energies. The company intends to adopt and apply the sustainability principles followed by Alpiq SA, a shareholder with responsibility for administrative management of Nant de Drance.
Five relevant Sustainable Development Goals
Nant de Drance has identified five Sustainable Development Goals that are of particular relevance and will therefore be prioritised. These will form the pillars of the future sustainability strategy and ESG (environmental, social and governance) approach of the Nant de Drance plant plant. The five SDGs are presented below, as described by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Sustainable Development Goals (admin.ch).
Promoting biodiversity
Fourteen projects at a total cost of CHF 22 million have been, or will soon be, completed to offset the environmental impact of building the pumped storage power plant and the extra-high-voltage line connecting the power plant to the electricity grid.
Restoring biotopes
Most of the measures aim to restore specific biotopes locally, especially wetlands, in order to encourage recolonisation of the area by rare or endangered animal and plant species in Switzerland.
Encouraging fauna and flora
In the Rhône valley, a set of six measures aims to re-establish corridors that encourage the movement of fauna between the mountain slopes and the Rhône, as well as wetlands that are home to a rich biodiversity of plants and animals.
Environmental monitoring
The work is managed by Nant de Drance SA and monitored by an advisory group that includes representatives from WWF, Pro Natura, relevant public authorities, the canton of Valais and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
Bienvenue
Biotopes have been created in the forest along the Bienvenue canal in order to increase the amphibian population, or more specifically, yellow-bellied toads.
Fond du Mont
The wetlands of the Fond du Mont which had been drained, have been refilled with water. The Lantze canal has been ecologically restored and small pools created along the Salanfe.
Trient
The bed of the Trient river will be widened by relocating an existing dam in order to create a flood plain and give more space to the water. In addition, specific biotopes will be created at a distance from the Trient bed.
Clos du Rhône
From the mouth of the Trient to the Dorénaz bridge, the bed of the Rhône river will be enlarged to give it more room to expand, for example in the event of flooding. This measure, which is considered a priority, is being implemented as part of the third Rhône correction project, with financial backing from Nant de Drance SA.
Lac des Sables
A gravel quarry lake will be reclaimed and wetlands will be established along the Rhône.
Dorénaz
A wetland has been created along the right bank of the Rhône and safety works have been carried out on the Alesse torrent.
