New Saanenland energy concept seeks go-ahead

The Fernwärme Saanen-Gstaad project has requested its construction permit. The what, you may be asking. Fernwärme is Saanenland’s answer to the global renewables revolution. Unlike the wind farm proposal on Horetube (see A wind farm on the Hornberg?), this project is immediate and aesthetically less controversial. SFr 25 million are being invested to get an innovative, cheap and environmentally-friendly power plant burning timber for heat up and running by the end of 2008. This concept was pioneered by the Lech ski resort in Austria. Half of the plant’s 28 MWH capacity has already been sold, and the largest customer so far is the Gstaad Palace. Depending on the location of your chalet, homeowners can also be linked into the system. If you are interested visit the Gstaadermesse exposition this weekend, click here (German only), or contact Claude Minder of EBL Elektra Baselland on 061 926 14 06 or claude.minder-at-ebl.bl.ch.