Università della Svizzera italiana

Estimating the benefits of low flow alleviation in rivers

Buchli, Loa ; Filippini, Massimo ; Banfi, Silvia

In Switzerland 60% of electricity is produced by hydropower plants. The construction and operation of these plants determine some negative environmental externalities, such as diminishing groundwater levels and spring flows, and a reduction in river flow, which can severely curtail recreational and fishing activities. This study concentrates on an ex-ante appraisal of the monetary benefits...