Aktion Stopp Kuanertal Petition 100000 Unterschriften Landhausplatz Mai 2025

34 Organizations and Over 100,000 People Oppose the Expansion of the Kaunertal Power Plant

ByCat Ekkelboom-White

Over 100,000 people have now signed the petition against the expansion of the Kaunertal power plant. To mark this, more than 20 organizations and groups gathered today at Landhausplatz in Innsbruck to present their arguments against the project. Together, they call on Governor Mattle to stop the expansion of the Kaunertal power plant.

Participants included citizens’ initiatives, environmental and climate protection organizations, representatives from agriculture, tourism, art, science, five sections of the Alpine Club, and two sections of the Tyrolean Mountain Sports Guides Association.

Below is a list of statements from all supporting organizations, initiatives, associations, clubs, and scientists:

Alpine Club Sections Vorder-Ötztal, Umhausen, Innerötztal, Imst-Oberland & Landeck

“We oppose the expansion because it would destroy valuable natural and living environments. The intrusion into the Alpine landscape and loss of biodiversity pose serious threats to this unique mountain region. For the sake of future generations, we call for sustainable solutions to the energy transition that do not endanger nature or cause irreversible harm. Protecting the Alps as a space for nature and recreation must take priority over short-term economic interests, which, given current economic and environmental trends, are questionable and unsustainable.”

Press Contact: Maria Haselwanter | alpenverein.vorderoetztal@gmail.com

Protect Our Winters Austria (POW)

“In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, the energy transition must move quickly—but not at any cost. The planned expansion of the Kaunertal hydropower plant is neither ecologically nor economically viable. There are more nature-friendly alternatives. That’s why we stand for preserving one of Austria’s last untouched landscapes.”

Press Contact: Chiara Pizzignacco | chiara@protectourwinters.at

Lebensraum Ötztal

“The Ötztal lives from and with its water. It is the foundation of our quality of life. Let’s work together to ensure that remains true in the future.”

Press Contact: Raphael Kuen | raphael.kuen@oetztal.com

Unser Wasser

“The water diversion would dehydrate our entire region. Climate change is already making things drier, we need more water for irrigation, and our springs are delivering less. Tourism and agriculture depend on water. We won’t let TIWAG take it away from us.”

Press Contact: Reinhard Scheiber | info@unserwasser.tirol

Citizens’ Initiative “Livable Kaunertal”

“The expansion project affects multiple valleys—one would be drained, another flooded, and a third would become the largest construction site in Central Europe. This endangers both nature and local residents. When over 100,000 people raise their voices, we can no longer be ignored.”

Press Contact: Anita Hofmann | info@lebenswertes-kaunertal.at

 Global2000

“The Platzertal is a unique habitat and a vital carbon sink. Rather than destroying this valuable moorland, TIWAG should focus on a nature-compatible energy transition. Sticking to these outdated construction plans is completely irresponsible.”

Press Contact: Hannah Keller | hannah.keller@global2000.at

Gabriel Singer, Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.

“In an age of both climate and biodiversity crises, destroying natural Alpine landscapes cannot be part of any sustainable strategy.”

Press Contact: Gabriel Singer | gabriel.singer@uibk.ac.at

Naturfreunde Österreich

“The planned dam would flood one of the last Alpine natural paradises, destroying priceless habitats for humans and wildlife. What would be lost for energy production is gone forever.”

Press Contact: Regina Hrbek | regina.hrbek@naturfreunde.at

The River Collective

“Alpine rivers are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity and human wellbeing. Projects like the Kaunertal expansion place growing pressure on these fragile systems. The River Collective opposes this expansion because it threatens yet another river landscape already stressed by hydropower. We work to protect free-flowing rivers as living classrooms for both people and nature.”

Press Contact: Franziska Walther | franzi@rivercollective.org

 Mountain Wilderness Germany

“The Platzertal must not suffer the same fate as the already destroyed Längental. These unique Alpine wild river landscapes must be protected—not destroyed.”

Press Contact: Michael Pröttel | michael@mountainwilderness.de

Leopold Füreder, Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.

“Alpine river landscapes are home to a very specific biodiversity. Microorganisms, plants, and animals have evolved to survive the extreme conditions of high altitudes. Destroying these systems threatens that unique adaptation.”

Press Contact: Leopold Füreder | leopold.Fuereder@uibk.ac.at

Peter Schönswetter, Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr.

“Platzertal is one of the last valleys in Tyrol largely untouched by humans. The only signs of life are light grazing marks. For this reason and many others (wetlands, truck traffic through Pfundser Tschey, etc.), I firmly believe that Platzertal must be preserved in its current form.”

Press Contact: Peter Schönswetter | Peter.Schoenswetter@uibk.ac.at

Nature Park Ötztal

“All Ötztal members of the Nature Park Association are clearly against water diversion. Such a project endangers the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and must be rejected.”

Press Contact: Thomas Schmarda | schmarda@naturpark-oetztal.at

Umweltdachverband

“100,000 signatures are a loud and clear signal: People do not want further destruction of the last intact Alpine rivers. The project contradicts the goals of a nature-compatible energy transition. We demand a strategic shift toward sustainable energy options.”

Press Contact: Franz Maier | franz.maier@umweltdachverband.at

Nature Conservation Association of Bavaria

“The planned reservoir and diversions would permanently destroy unique river and moorland habitats. Pump storage operation would cause abrupt changes in water levels, harming fish, insect larvae, mussels, and crayfish. With an estimated 150 species going extinct daily, we cannot continue backing destructive projects like Kaunertal. We need modern, nature-friendly alternatives.”

Press Contact:: Stefan Ossyssek | stefan.ossyssek@bundnaturschutz.de

 WWF Österreich

“There are plenty of reasons to oppose the Kaunertal project: environmental destruction, natural hazards, and better alternatives. Governor Mattle must cancel this outdated project and initiate an energy transition in harmony with nature and communities.”

Press Contact:: Maximilian Frey | maximilian.frey@wwf.at

PAN – Protect Alpine Nature

“The expansion would devastate the Platzertal, an ecologically valuable high Alpine valley. As a network of 15 environmental groups and NGOs, we collectively call: Stop this destructive project!”

Press Contact: Philipp Tschaikner | contact@protectalpinenature.eu

Initiative Unique Platzertal

“The Platzertal is a beautiful alpine pasture and hiking area. Our mission is to preserve its uniqueness and pristine beauty.”

Press Contact: Christine Stadelwieser | platzertal@gmail.com

Parents for Future

“Climate and environmental protection must not be pitted against each other. We oppose the expansion and call for energy efficiency and ecologically viable storage solutions. TIWAG must be responsible with public resources, ecosystems, and our children’s future.”

Press Contact: Maria Garzaner | tirol@parentsforfuture.at

Save Our Rivers

“We should have moved beyond considering projects such as the Kaunternal Power Station “green”. The devastating impact of man made barriers to free flowing rivers is felt right across the landscape, from loss of species and habitat, to the social cost of nature being destroyed.”

Press Contact: Tom Laws | tom@saveourrivers.org

Ötztaler Heritage Association

“The planned water extraction from upper Ötztal would be disastrous for the region. Such projects must be ecologically viable and accepted by local residents. The proposed water diversions would severely disrupt the water balance and are therefore firmly rejected.”

Press Contact: Benedikt Haid | info@oetztaler-heimatverein.at

Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association, Wildspitze Section

“We strongly oppose any diversion of Gurgler Ache and Venter Ache. No profession is more closely connected to nature—and we directly witness the dramatic retreat of glaciers. This water is needed locally, and must not become a speculation object.”

Press Contact: Alexander Giacomelli | info@sektion-wildspitze.at

Tyrolean Mountain Guides Association, West Tyrol Section

“A voice for our silent natural landscape—our workplace, and a place of recreation for many.”

Press Contact: Martin Schrott

EOCA – European Outdoor Conservation Association

“The Kaunertal project is both environmentally disastrous, and, an outdated solution to energy production. Energy projects that don’t minimise their impact on biodiversity, consider the impact of climate change on their future sustainability, or protect the rights of local communities have no place in the modern world.”

Press Contact: Dan Yates | dan@eocaconservation.org

Austrian Nature Conservation Association

“This expansion threatens one of Tyrol’s last untouched glacial valleys. The diversion would destroy precious ecosystems, endanger rare species, and severely disrupt natural water cycles. Climate protection is crucial—but it must include nature protection.”

Press Contact: Birgit Mair-Markart | birgit.mair-markart@naturschutzbund.at

Generation Earth (WWF Youth Network)

“We demand an ecologically sound energy transition. The climate crisis cannot be overcome without intact nature. The planned project would destroy ecosystems and drain valuable rivers. That’s why we say: No to the Kaunertal expansion!”

Press Contact: Georgina Weinhart | georgina.weinhart@wwf.at

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