Almost half of the electricity used in Sweden comes from renewable hydropower with low emissions and lower climate impact. Because of its capacity to be regulated, hydropower is an efficient resource for balancing electricity production and electricity use. However, the consequence of hydropower expansion is evident in land draining and damming and other such barriers to migratory fish and aquatic organisms. Regulating water flow also means changing reservoir that affect plant and animal life.
Challenges in environmental and energy policy and management include the EU Water Framework Directive, the Renewables Directive, climate targets and national environmental goals. Efficiency improvements in hydropower plants can lead to increased production and regulatory capacity, while environmental measures can lead to a reduction. Our research provides answers and guidance in handling these issues.
