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hall, as on the other side, and similarly there
were many doors. We deposited our florescent
jackets in some of these, and continued through
a short transparent tunnel to the lake.

The almost unreal turquoise lake with fjord-like
steep shores was now at our feet: a breathtaking
and rewarding view, enhanced by the rare good
weather. As we had taken longer than planned
to get here, I calculated we had around three
hours left; enough time to have a good look
round. I left my colleague to enjoy the lake and
get well rested before the long tunnel walk back,
followed by several hours train travel to Geneva.
I decided to go to the dam and hike as far as I
could. We needed to be down by 15:30, as I’d
been lucky enough to get two seats on the Alpine
shuttle taxi which only goes a few times a day. as the Muttensee hutte, and the Muttensee itself;
This would save us hiking seven kilometres from kindly showing me photos of how he had gone
the hotel to the train. around. However, on the descent he was suddenly
caught in the pouring rain and strong frosty wind
I returned to the tunnel and walked to the dam. and the descent got very difficult; he almost could
This tunnel was narrower, followed by 100 stairs not move. When he finally managed to get down,
down, more tunnels then I was at the steep he caught the very last cable car. I could see he
crown dam of the incredibly beautiful lake, just was exhausted, and still had the drive home ahead
underneath the glaciers, with the fjord so near of him.
to me it felt like I could touch it. I carefully read
all the panels about the dam, examined its steep Anyway, back to the current narrative, I
sides, and took many photos of the stunning promised several words about the high-altitude
views before hurrying back to the lake to try the dam. Its story is an interesting one, and not just are covered by 5000 solar panels. The dam itself
hike upwards. because it is the highest in Switzerland with the
most powerful hydropower plant. So, let’s get is the longest in Switzerland, with the length
acquainted with the Muttsee Dam. of 1045 metres. It is also the highest dam but
When I saw it, however, it was clear that I did not
have the time or equipment for a steep 700 metre despite the natural hazards, the pioneer project
was launched just a year ago. The solar farm
climb; that will have to be a story for my next visit. Energy plans. Switzerland announced in 2019
A renowned journalist, thrilled with my story, that it intends to become carbon neutral by 2050 is expected to generate 3.3 gigawatt hours of
electricity annually. The panels are mounted on
is ready to go with me and I have also found a to meet its obligations under the Paris climate
guide who do the trip as a three-day hike from agreement. The Mutsee Dam and its pioneer a steel structure that runs parallel to the dam and
can be adjusted to follow the sun, maximizing
Zurich. This will be a hike only, with no tour, and project the Solar Farm could be the way forward.
will require more preparation. The challenge can The Muttsee Dam solar farm is a shining example their energy production.
become much greater because of rapidly changing of Switzerland’s commitment to reducing its
weather conditions; this hike looks difficult even carbon footprint and embracing clean energy. Creating a Blueprint for the Future. This project
demonstrates the large-scale transition from
in nice weather, but it can be perilous in bad This innovative project will not only provide clean
weather. Rain makes the steep surface dangerous, energy to local communities but also serves as a nuclear power to green energy. It demonstrates
the feasibility and benefits of combining
and crampons would be essential. model for other countries looking to transition
to renewable energy and reduce their carbon traditional infrastructure, such as dams, with
footprint. With its combination of cutting-edge cutting-edge technology to create sustainable and
On this particular evening, though, while checking
the cable car and learning how to use it, I met a technology, environmental benefits, and financial efficient energy sources. By showing the world
the potential for renewable energy, Switzerland
gentleman who was there for the day to make this viability, the Muttsee Dam solar farm is a true
hike, relying on the good weather forecast. He pioneer in the world of renewable energy. is paving the way for a greener future.
seemed to be experienced and I asked him about
the hike. He told me that he started in the morning The Mutsee Dam is also the Swiss Solar Farm Sun and snow generate more energy. The
Lake Muttsee Dam in the canton of Glarus,
and that the ascent was not difficult for him. He Dam. This is the first project of its kind in
said that it was very nice at the Limernsee, as well Switzerland. 1.5 kilometres of the Muttsee Dam surrounded by snow-clad peaks, is extremely well

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