Regional Mountain Conference

Against the backdrop of the climate crisis and the desired phase-out of fossil fuels, this research examines energy governance in Tyrol using the case study of the expansion of the Sellrain-Silz hydroelectric power plant group (Kühtai pumped storage power plant). The aim is to analyze the legal, political, and institutional control mechanisms as well as the actors involved, their interests, power relations, and understanding of nature, and to evaluate them with regard to good governance. Theoretically, the study is anchored in political ecology, while methodologically it is based on qualitative interviews and netmapping to visualize actor networks.

The results show a conflict-ridden interaction between state, economic, and civil society actors, characterized by clear power asymmetries and conflicting understandings of nature. In particular, the close ties between TIWAG and the Province of Tyrol lead to conflicts of interest, limited transparency in decision-making processes, and limited opportunities for participation for those affected; Formal participation procedures prove insufficient to ensure substantial co-determination. Overall, the case studied can hardly be described as good governance; rather, technocratic and economic logics dominate. The research illustrates that a sustainable energy transition requires democratically and ecologically legitimate, transparent, and socially just governance structures.