Insights from the initial stage of a nation-wide environmental relicensing of hydropower facilities: a biologists’ perspective on court verdicts

Hydropower, utilized for centuries, is promoted globally as renewable energy. The perceived socio-economic benefits have often outweighed environmental concerns, as reflected in operational permits. In 2022, Sweden began re-licensing approximately 2000 hydroelectric facilities under the National Plan for Modern Environmental Conditions. We extracted data from 33 completed court cases, all involving relatively small hydropower facilities, with 22 resulting in withdrawal and dam removal, and 11 receiving decisions for remedial measures. The primary focus of measures was longitudinal connectivity; other environmental aspects received less attention and monitoring requirements were almost non-existent. We recommend measures using adaptive design, prioritizing functionality and monitoring over detailed technical specifications. Greater attention should be given to habitat in affected reaches; addressing e.g. flow, and water levels. In conclusion, this nation-wide process provides a unique opportunity to implement measures that could benefit the whole riverine ecosystem.