Field trip explores fish passages & monitoring across Germany, Belgium and Switzerland
Advancing hydropower environmental standards
Drawing on decades of experience in hydropower, river ecology, and environmental measures, AFRY’s team in Sweden co‑organized a week‑long technical excursion with I AM HYDRO GmbH. The trip brought together leading Nordic hydropower operators to explore proven fish passage and monitoring solutions, insights that will directly inform Sweden’s ongoing revision of the environmental terms för Hydro Power (NAP).
Sharing expertise
As one of Sweden’s most experienced engineering and environmental consultancies, AFRY is deeply involved in the transformation of hydropower for a sustainable future. Our teams work at the intersection of hydraulics, aquatic ecology, construction, and regulatory compliance, supporting clients through every stage of the National Plan for Modern Environmental Conditions (NAP), from feasibility studies and design to legal processes, implementation, and monitoring.
By connecting Swedish utilities with leading-edge solutions and real-world case studies across Europe, we help our clients benchmark best practices, evaluate new technologies, and build the relationships that drive innovation in river connectivity and fish protection.
“We need to broaden our perspective on measures that truly combine ecological values with cost-effectiveness and deliver a broader environmental impact. Looking at best practices and sharing proven measures and experiences from other countries and stakeholders is a powerful way to gain knowledge together with our clients.”
Mats Andersson, AFRY, co-organizer
“It was enriching to exchange ideas with Swedish experts and explore how our countries implement the EU Water Framework Directive, especially on river continuity and fish protection at hydropower plants. We aimed to show diverse, innovative sites and enable deep dialogue with operators on practical solutions and challenges.”
Christian Haas, Dipl. Ing, I Am Hydro (co-organizer)
Sites Visited and Their Significance
Germany
- Baldeneysee (Essen): Fish lift restoring river connectivity for diverse species in an urban setting.
- Gadmerwasser & Innertkirchen: Alpine fish lift and a large retention basin, enabling fish migration and buffering flow fluctuations.
Belgium
- Ampsin & Grands-Malades (River Meuse): Electrical fish protection systems guiding fish safely past turbines, reducing mortality for sensitive species like eel.
Switzerland
- Rheinfelden (Rhine): Big nature-like bypass channel offering habitat-like passage for upstream migration.
- Sursee: Meander fish pass with natural flow paths and resting zones.
- Suze (FishCon): Innovative fish locks and chambers for different types of elevation and flows.
Meet the Field Trip Crew
The cohort included representatives from Swedish operators Fortum Sverige AB, Tekniska verken, Vattenfall, Statkraft, Uniper, and Skellefteå Kraft, alongside AFRY specialists. Our team’s broad project experience and technical depth enabled us to facilitate meaningful discussions, connect theory with practice, and translate international lessons into actionable insights for Swedish conditions.
“It was rewarding in many ways to explore solutions and the thinking that exists on the continent, not only regarding different technical approaches, but also how water management is organized, how financing works, and how companies are, to a much greater extent than in Sweden, integrated into society. It was especially enjoyable to travel together by bus and get to know our German hosts and fellow travelers.”
Johan Tielman, Environmental Manager, Uniper
“Visiting solutions on-site and having the opportunity to discuss target visions, biological requirements, technical options, and the costs associated with each measure was incredibly educational! The structure of the trip, with time to talk both at the various sites and during the bus rides, made the experience even more valuable.”
Jakob Bergengren, Fisheries Biologist/Environmental Engineer, Tekniska verken
“The study tour in Europe provided valuable insights into fish passage solutions and environmental adaptation of hydropower. I was particularly impressed by how electricity end-users in many countries contribute to financing environmental measures, creating clear incentives for projects with high environmental benefits. In addition, several technical solutions, such as fish lifts and pump systems, demonstrate alternative ways to facilitate fish migration that are not yet used in Sweden. Overall, there are both administrative and technical opportunities for more cost-effective environmental adaptation.”
Marco Blixt, Fishery Manager, Fortum Sweden AB
“It was an inspiring and educational opportunity to see European solutions in operation, broadening our perspective on possible approaches. It also provided deeper insights into operation and maintenance, as well as the conditions and financing models in different countries. Meeting and exchanging experiences with colleagues was another key takeaway from the trip. Looking outward and learning from others is valuable and sparks ideas for similar knowledge-sharing initiatives among the Nordic countries.”
Patrik Andreasson, Senior Specialist and Professor, Vattenfall Research and Development
From insights to implementation in Sweden
AFRY’s expertise spans the full spectrum of hydropower modernization: fishways (up & down), flow adaptations, habitat restoration, advanced hydraulic modeling, and environmental impact assessments (EIA). Our consultants have supported many projects under the first phase of the NAP, helping clients navigate through technical, ecological, and legal challenges.
By organizing this excursion, we reinforced our commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement, ensuring that Swedish hydropower operators are equipped with the latest tools and strategies to deliver measurable ecological benefits while maintaining safe, efficient operations.
What’s next
AFRY will continue to facilitate cross-border learning and support clients in translating best practice into deliverable, cost-effective and consentable solutions, linking river continuity goals with operational realities, production of renewable energy and compliance requirements.
