The management of hydroelectric power plants entails a direct responsibility toward the local community and ecosystems. This is the context in which Environmental Funds operate—mechanisms established under hydroelectric concessions to support environmental and community initiatives.
What are Environmental Funds
Environmental Funds are financial resources allocated to environmental compensation measures related to the renewal of hydroelectric concessions.
Each year, Alperia makes available an average of approximately 20 million euros to finance ecological restoration projects, measures to mitigate impacts on ecosystems, and initiatives to improve the environmental quality of the affected areas.
How They Are Managed
The management of Environmental Funds in the province of Bolzano is governed by Provincial Council Resolution No. 976 of November 5, 2024, which defines the criteria and guidelines for the allocation and use of these resources.
These initiatives are primarily carried out by the riverside municipalities and the Provincial Administration. In cases provided for by the regulations and concession terms, Alperia may contribute directly to their implementation, particularly for initiatives aimed at environmental and landscape improvement and the enhancement of the territory.
Thanks to the Environmental Funds, over 1,500 measures have been implemented or are currently underway in South Tyrol. These include, for example:
- the undergrounding or dismantling of overhead power lines,
- projects for the management of river ecosystems,
- energy-efficiency retrofits of public buildings,
- energy-efficient lighting systems,
- new hiking trails and recreational facilities.
Since 2011, Alperia provides the following annual funding:
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
| € 15.605.564 | € 15.616.380 | € 15.590.449 | € 17.819.901 | € 17.589.916 |
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| € 16.431.279 | 17.807.960 | € 17.807.960 | € 18.807.090 | 18.909.849 |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| 19.272.045 | 19.953.506 | 21.947.654 | 22.435.186 | 20.898.712 |