Vattenfall is carrying out biodiversity measures across several hydropower sites in Germany and Sweden as part of its environmental work. The projects include habitat enhancement, species protection initiatives, fish migration measures and restoration work connected to regulated rivers and hydropower operations.
Species protection measures in Germany
At the Geesthacht hydropower site in Germany, 15 perches for birds of prey were installed in the upper basin area in 2025. The measure is intended to increase local populations of natural predators and promote biodiversity on site.
At Hohenwarte I, Vattenfall has established winter quarters for the alpine newt, a strictly protected species native to the region.
At the Niederwartha hydropower plant, which is scheduled for decommissioning, mapping of relevant species is underway to assess the impacts of different decommissioning strategies. The work is considered important because parts of the site are located within and close to protected areas.
In Bleiloch and Hohenwarte, Vattenfall is working with the Thuringian government on biodiversity measures including the construction of bat roosts and nesting places, a swallow house near the powerhouse and biodiversity enhancement work outside office areas.
Floating islands and fish migration
In Sweden, Vattenfall has introduced floating islands in the Dalälven river at Älvkarleby to create nesting platforms and aquatic habitats in regulated waterways where water levels can change rapidly. The project is intended to support nesting birds as well as fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants.
The company is also testing behavioural fish-guidance methods known as “dancing rods” at hydropower facilities in Stångån and Stämmemad. The systems are designed to improve safe fish passage through intake channels for species including asp and eel.
Restoration work in Umeälven
In the Umeälven river system, Vattenfall is carrying out restoration work linked to hydropeaking, where rapid fluctuations in river flow can affect erosion and sedimentation processes.
The work, scheduled for 2025–2026, focuses on restoring riparian vegetation and mitigating the impact of ice erosion on habitats for fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates.
