Regional Mountain Conference

This research examines the role of small-scale diversion hydropower (SSDH) schemes in
supporting the net-zero emissions targets of Tyrol and Austria. SSDH refers to hydropower
schemes with an installed generating capacity of less than 10 MW. While the current
hydropower landscape in Tyrol is dominated in terms of electricity production by a small
number of large, state-owned schemes, SSDH accounts for 87.6% of all hydropower
schemes by total number. Despite their prevalence, these schemes have been sparsely
studied, particularly in the Central European Alps.
This study provides a descriptive analysis of small-scale diversion hydropower (SSDH) in
Tyrol, Austria, in order to outline their role in supporting the regional energy strategy and to
assess whether there is potential to increase their contribution. The research examines both
the spatial distribution of these schemes across Tyrol and their ownership structures.
By analysing these characteristics, the study seeks to better understand the motivations
behind the size and type of SSDH schemes across the region. These motivations vary
widely, ranging from supplying energy to individual mountain huts to generating electricity for
sale to the national grid. Understanding these motivations may help provide a framework
through which future financial support mechanisms can be tailored to different types of
scheme owners.
Due to the cumulative environmental impacts of SSDH on freshwater habitats, expanding
the number of such schemes is widely considered neither responsible nor feasible.
Consequently, improving the efficiency of existing schemes is likely to be a more viable
pathway for increasing their contribution to regional energy goals. Achieving this requires a
clearer understanding of scheme ownership, the motivations of owners, and the financial or
other forms of support they would require to improve performance. This research therefore
aims to inform future policy development in this area.