How are environmental measures realized in European hydropower?

This report explores how environmental measures are realized in European hydropower production, how they are financed, and how trade‐offs between hydropower production, environmental restoration and value creation are considered. How do other European countries deal with the challenges that the conflicting objectives of (increased) production of renewable energy on one hand, and of improving environmental conditions of the regulated watercourses on the other hand, pose? We are seeking more knowledge of how “greener” solutions are implemented in other European countries, and if such efforts can be a valid reference for Norwegian hydropower producers and exporters. In this study we map the current situation related to hydropower production, environmental status of the regulated water bodies and implemented measures, management practices, methods to assess trade‐offs and funding mechanisms in three European countries that are amongst the larger producers of hydropower in Europe in terms of installed capacity ‐ Austria, Switzerland and Sweden. We used desk‐top document studies and conducted structured interviews in the respective countries during spring/summer 2018. As the report clearly shows, the challenge and need to balance the complex nexus of trade‐offs between energy services and environmental objectives is quite similar in the analysed case countries. All three countries have made legal revisions and set new environmental goals. There exist now legal references enabling the enforcement to realize environmental mitigating measures, but the types of mitigation measures and their actual implementation varies. In all countries, efforts by single hydropower companies and NGOs were documented, with support of local, regional and national administrations, to implement environmental mitigation measures on a voluntary basis. Market‐based, private funding solutions such as support schemes of the eco‐labels Naturemade star (origin: Switzerland) and Bra Miljöval (origin: Sweden) play a role, but also EU public funding sources such as the EU LIFE‐program contribute to such endeavours (e.g. in Austria). Private, voluntary schemes such as the Bra Miljöval and Naturemade Star eco‐labels provide additional funding for environmental measures by addressing the environmentally conscious customers willing to pay an additional fee for “greener” hydropower. Such eco‐labels appear to be win‐win solutions for hydropower companies that are also concerned with reputation management as an integral part of a more diversified European energy market.publishedVersio

A river runs through the landscape: Everyday use in an ever changing environment

The meaning of riverine landscapes to society has evolved to serve our ever-changing needs, from harvesting and transporting resources to arenas for outdoor recreation and contemplation. From the 18th century, rivers have been important resources for industry and hydroelectric power. The objective of this study is to explore and describe the rhythms of everyday use of a river environment using multiple quantitative and qualitative methods, and to identify subjective, multiple and often competing relations. We use Lefebvre’s concept of rhythmanalysis and Ingold’s contextual approach as a tool for bridging scientific and methodological disciplines. Our results show a wide breadth in everyday activities and a dynamic relation between people and the river on multiple time scales. The use of the river environment appears orderly and predictable, but the wide spectrum of everyday users on different spatiotemporal scales is diverse and forms multiple rhythms at each locality. The partial lockdown in Norway in response to Covid-19 and the subsequent shifts in people’s daily routines changed the rhythm of daily and weekly use patterns, and demonstrates how rhythms can change rapidly in the face of largescale, societal agitation. We argue that rhythmanalysis is a useful analytical tool in interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the use and valuations of landscapes.publishedVersio

Concentrating light in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Light concentration has proven beneficial for solar cells, most notably for highly efficient but expensive absorber materials using high concentrations and large scale optics. Here, we investigate the light concentration for cost- efficient thin-film solar cells that show nano- or microtextured absorbers. Our absorber material of choice is Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe), which has a proven stabilized record efficiency of 22.6% and which—despite being a polycrystalline thin-film material—is very tolerant to environmental influences. Taking a nanoscale approach, we concentrate light in the CIGSe absorber layer by integrating photonic nanostructures made from dielectric materials. The dielectric nanostructures give rise to resonant modes and field localization in their vicinity. Thus, when inserted inside or adjacent to the absorber layer, absorption and efficiency enhancement are observed. In contrast to this internal absorption enhancement, external enhancement is exploited in the microscaled approach: mm-sized lenses can be used to concentrate light onto CIGSe solar cells with lateral dimensions reduced down to the micrometer range. These micro solar cells come with the benefit of improved heat dissipation compared with the large scale concentrators and promise compact high-efficiency devices. Both approaches of light concentration allow for reduction in material consumption by restricting the absorber dimension either vertically (ultrathin absorbers for dielectric nanostructures) or horizontally (microabsorbers for concentrating lenses) and have significant potential for efficiency enhancement

Multi-criteria decision analysis in Bayesian networks-Diagnosing ecosystem service trade-offs in a hydropower regulated river

The paper demonstrates the use of Bayesian networks in multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) of environmental design alternatives for environmental flows (eflows) and physical habitat remediation measures in the Mandalselva River in Norway. We demonstrate how MCDA using multi-attribute value functions can be implemented in a Bayesian network with decision and utility nodes. An object-oriented Bayesian network is used to integrate impacts computed in quantitative sub-models of hydropower revenues and Atlantic salmon smolt production and qualitative judgement models of mesohabitat fishability and riverscape aesthetics. We show how conditional probability tables are useful for modelling uncertainty in value scaling functions, and variance in criteria weights due to different stakeholder preferences. While the paper demonstrates the technical feasibility of MCDA in a BN, we also discuss the challenge

Changes in ecosystem services from wetland loss and restoration: An ecosystem assessment of the Danube Delta (1960–2010)

Deltaic flood plains provide critically important ecosystem services, including food production, fresh water, flood control, nutrient cycling, spiritual values and opportunities for recreation. Despite growing recognition of their societal and ecological importance, deltaic flood plains are declining worldwide at alarming rates. Loss of wetland ecosystem services bears socio-environmental costs overlooked in land-use planning. Conversely, wetland restoration can deliver important long-term benefits. This paper examines effects of different land use policies on ecosystem services provided by the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s largest and most outstanding wetlands. First, we identify, characterize and measure the most important ecosystem services provided by the Danube Delta. Second, we assess trends between 1960 and 2010, contrasting periods of economic development (1960–1989) and ecological restoration (1990–2010). Our results indicate that i) the Danube Delta provides important services with benefits accrue from local communities to humanity at large, ii) that two thirds of the Delta’s ecosystem services have declined over the studied period and iii) that ongoing restoration efforts have so far been unable to reverse trends in ecosystem service decline. Benefits from ecological restoration policies are already becoming apparent, but at a scale not yet comparable to the costs from ecosystem decline incurred over previous decades. Ecosystem assessment Socio-environmental costs Wetlands Restoration Danube Delta RomaniaacceptedVersio

Stakeholders' perspectives on the operationalisation of the ecosystem service concept : Results from 27 case studies

The ecosystem service (ES) concept is becoming mainstream in policy and planning, but operational influence on practice is seldom reported. Here, we report the practitioners' perspectives on the practical implementation of the ES concept in 27 case studies. A standardised anonymous survey (n = 246), was used, focusing on the science-practice interaction process, perceived impact and expected use of the case study assessments. Operationalisation of the concept was shown to achieve a gradual change in practices: 13% of the case studies reported a change in action (e.g. management or policy change), and a further 40% anticipated that a change would result from the work. To a large extent the impact was attributed to a well conducted science-practice interaction process (>70%). The main reported advantages of the concept included: increased concept awareness and communication; enhanced participation and collaboration; production of comprehensive science-based knowledge; and production of spatially referenced knowledge for input to planning (91% indicated they had acquired new knowledge). The limitations were mostly case-specific and centred on methodology, data, and challenges with result implementation. The survey highlighted the crucial role of communication, participation and collaboration across different stakeholders, to implement the ES concept and enhance the democratisation of nature and landscape planning. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.Peer reviewe

Comprehensive genomic profiles of small cell lung cancer

We have sequenced the genomes of 110 small cell lung cancers (SCLC), one of the deadliest human cancers. In nearly all the tumours analysed we found bi-allelic inactivation of TP53 and RB1, sometimes by complex genomic rearrangements. Two tumours with wild-type RB1 had evidence of chromothripsis leading to overexpression of cyclin D1 (encoded by the CCND1 gene), revealing an alternative mechanism of Rb1 deregulation. Thus, loss of the tumour suppressors TP53 and RB1 is obligatory in SCLC. We discovered somatic genomic rearrangements of TP73 that create an oncogenic version of this gene, TP73Dex2/3. In rare cases, SCLC tumours exhibited kinase gene mutations, providing a possible therapeutic opportunity for individual patients. Finally, we observed inactivating mutations in NOTCH family genes in 25% of human SCLC. Accordingly, activation of Notch signalling in a pre-clinical SCLC mouse model strikingly reduced the number of tumours and extended the survival of the mutant mice. Furthermore, neuroendocrine gene expression was abrogated by Notch activity in SCLC cells. This first comprehensive study of somatic genome alterations in SCLC uncovers several key biological processes and identifies candidate therapeutic targets in this highly lethal form of cancer

Seeing the Forest for the Trees: A Review-Based Framework for Better Harmonization of Timber Production, Biodiversity, and Recreation in Boreal Urban Forests

Forested lands serve multiple needs, and the priorities that go into balancing the competing demands can vary over time. In addition to being the source of timber and other natural resources, forested lands provide a number of other services such as biodiversity conservation and opportunities for outdoor recreation. While allocations that enhance conservation and recreation can involve expenses and lost revenue, mechanisms exist to provide landowners with incentives to make such contributions. Here, we review the literature and present a conceptual framework that can help landowners envision possible contributions towards bolstering outdoor recreation opportunities on their lands. The framework classifies forests within a simple conceptual space defined by two axes: (1) the spectrum of intensity of recreational use, and (2) the level of economic contribution required by landowners to meet recreational demands of visitors to their lands. The resulting matrix consists of four broad categories that can be used in forest management zoning as seen from an outdoor recreation perspective: general and special considerations for recreational opportunities and biodiversity, wilderness and nature reserves, and service areas. These categories have di erent tolerances for active silviculture and require shifting harvest practices spatially within the forest property. While timber revenues may decrease with shifting allocations, other sources of revenue may open up. With an increasingly urban population and rising demands for natural resources, it is prudent for landowners and land use planners to consider zoning their properties to better handle potential conflicts. The framework presented here provides a simple, structured approach to visualize future challenges and opportunities.publishedVersio

How are environmental measures realized in European hydropower? - A case‐study of Austria, Sweden and Switzerland

This report explores how environmental measures are realized in European hydropower production, how they are financed, and how trade‐offs between hydropower production, environmental restoration and value creation are considered. How do other European countries deal with the challenges that the conflicting objectives of (increased) production of renewable energy on one hand, and of improving environmental conditions of the regulated watercourses on the other hand, pose? We are seeking more knowledge of how “greener” solutions are implemented in other European countries, and if such efforts can be a valid reference for Norwegian hydropower producers and exporters. In this study we map the current situation related to hydropower production, environmental status of the regulated water bodies and implemented measures, management practices, methods to assess trade‐offs and funding mechanisms in three European countries that are amongst the larger producers of hydropower in Europe in terms of installed capacity ‐ Austria, Switzerland and Sweden. We used desk‐top document studies and conducted structured interviews in the respective countries during spring/summer 2018. As the report clearly shows, the challenge and need to balance the complex nexus of trade‐offs between energy services and environmental objectives is quite similar in the analysed case countries. All three countries have made legal revisions and set new environmental goals. There exist now legal references enabling the enforcement to realize environmental mitigating measures, but the types of mitigation measures and their actual implementation varies. In all countries, efforts by single hydropower companies and NGOs were documented, with support of local, regional and national administrations, to implement environmental mitigation measures on a voluntary basis. Market‐based, private funding solutions such as support schemes of the eco‐labels Naturemade star (origin: Switzerland) and Bra Miljöval (origin: Sweden) play a role, but also EU public funding sources such as the EU LIFE‐program contribute to such endeavours (e.g. in Austria). Private, voluntary schemes such as the Bra Miljöval and Naturemade Star eco‐labels provide additional funding for environmental measures by addressing the environmentally conscious customers willing to pay an additional fee for “greener” hydropower. Such eco‐labels appear to be win‐win solutions for hydropower companies that are also concerned with reputation management as an integral part of a more diversified European energy market

Rekreasjonsinteresser i utvidet miljødesign: demovassdrag Nea

Et hovedmål med forskningen i HydroCen er å utvikle gode miljøløsninger samtidig som en tar hensyn til kraftproduksjon. I arbeidspakke 4.3 er et viktig mål å videreutvikle miljødesignkonseptet til å omfatte flere interesser knyttet til regulerte vassdrag, inkludert rekreasjonsinteresser. For å utvikle miljødesign-konseptet til «utvidet miljødesign» har vi i arbeidspakke 4.3 valgt å benytte det vi kaller demovassdrag. Denne rapporten gjør rede for rekreasjonsinteresser knyttet til det valgte demovassdraget, Nea i Selbu og Tydal kommune. Nea var interessant som demovassdrag først og fremst fordi det er en ørretelv, men også fordi det er bygd en rekke terskler i denne elva. I WP 4.3 vil vi bidra med kunnskap om tersklenes funksjon som fiskehabitat. Tersklene er også interessant å undersøke i en bredere sammenheng, knyttet til deres estetiske funksjon i landskapet. En visuell preferanseundersøkelse knyttet til tersklene vil bli gjennomført i 2019 i forlengelse av hva som presenteres i denne rapporten. Et hovedskille i Nea går mellom elva nedenfor tunnelutløpet ved Bogstadhølen og ovenfor. Nedenfor tunnelutløpet er elva preget av hyppige og raske endringer i vannstand, mens den ovenfor er preget av lavere men mer stabil vannstand fordi tersklene skaper vannspeil. I rekreasjonssammenheng er Nea først og fremst kjent som ei fiskeelv. Denne studien viser at også andre fritidsaktiviteter foregår i Nea i dag: padling, bading, opphold ved elva, turgåing, å gå på skøyter, sykling langs elva og observasjoner av dyre- og planteliv. I tillegg brukes elva av barnehager og skoler for lek og undervisning. Det er også flere turistbedrifter ved Nea. Utsyn til vann, opphold ved elva og fiske i elva er viktige motivasjonsfaktorer for å bo på campingplasser og andre turiststeder. Elva brukes altså på mange måter, men det er ikke så mange personer som utøver de ulike aktivitetene. Den begrensete bruken av elva kan skyldes lav befolkningstetthet, det at elva ligger litt bortgjemt i land-skapet, gjengroing av elvebredden og det at elva har lav og/eller varierende vannføring på grunn av re-guleringa. I denne rapporten beskrives de ulike friluftsaktivitetene knyttet til elva, og også ut utøvernes synspunkter på vannføring. For hver aktivitet foreslår vi tiltak for å stimulere til økt rekreasjonsaktivitet i og langs elva, basert på informantenes uttalelser om situasjonen i dag. Informantene viser stor variasjon i synspunkter på terskler. Et flertall synes det er positivt med vannspei-lene de gir, mens noen synes de er for unaturlige til at de kan like dem. Aktive fiskere framstår som den mest skeptiske gruppen. Fiskere er skeptiske til terskler både fordi de er kjedelige å fiske i sammenlignet med ei elv med strøm, men også basert på kunnskap om at tersklene ikke nødvendigvis er gode ørretha-bitat. Likevel, noen fiskere uttrykker, som andre, at tersklene er fine å se på og at det av den grunn er problematisk å fjerne dem. Informantene er ikke for eller imot terskler, men opplever fordeler og ulem-per ved dem. Et viktig poeng er at det er vanskelig for folk å vurdere tersklene så lenge en sentral men ukjent faktor er hva alternativet til tersklene kan være. Elver og vassdrag har fått økende betydning både for energiproduksjon og som arena for naturopple-velser i folks fritid. Tiltak for å stimulere til økt bruk av elver i rekreasjonssammenheng vil være til gode for folkehelse, trivsel og også naturmiljøet når tiltak planlegges i en tverrfaglig sammenheng