Water Framework Directive
The Water Framework Directive (WFD), which was adopted by the EU in 2000, aims to achieve good ecological and chemical status for all bodies of water (rivers, lakes and groundwater) in Europe.
Potential study on the use of hydropower
As part of a potential study commissioned by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector, the expansion potential of existing and utilized hydropower plants (up to 1,000 kW) and the potential for new construction at unused transverse structures in the Neckar catchment area were examined.
The study does not replace the water law approval required for the construction, operation, expansion or modification of hydropower plants. The lower water authority of the district office is responsible for hydropower plants with an output of up to 1,000 kW. The water rights procedure examines whether the project in question can be approved and which (ecological) requirements it is subject to. Which approval procedure is considered in each individual case depends on the type of project and the intensity of the impact. We therefore recommend that the project is coordinated in advance.
The "Model procedure manual for water law approval procedures" developed by the state of Baden - Württemberg can be used as a guide for the construction, operation and modernization of hydropower plants (procedure manual in accordance with Section 11a (3) WHG). In Baden - Württemberg, the respective approval authorities responsible under water law are regarded as uniform bodies. You can find the "sample procedure manual" here.
Further information
Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection and the Energy Sector
on the European Water Framework Directive
on hydropower
