The power plant in Byske is demolished following a court order

The demolition of the power plant in Byske takes place within the framework of the national plan for the re-examination of hydropower plants. The court has now decided that the previous permit for power production must be revoked and that the facility must be demolished within five years.

The power company, which itself applied for a recall and has agreed to carry out biotope conservation measures in the part of the Åby River, which was previously cleaned and channeled to increase the power plant's efficiency.

Environmental organizations and anglers have wanted to get rid of the power plant, which makes it difficult for fish to migrate. Skellefteå Kraft resisted for a long time and argued that the power plant can be kept if measures are taken to facilitate the migration. In the end, the power company gave up and applied for demolition.

Do not disturb reindeer husbandry

The measures now decided will, according to the Land and Environment Court, facilitate the migration of the fish. The demolition will take place in winter, and the court rules that the power company must minimize the consequences for the environment.

The demolition coincides with the time when reindeer husbandry may be carried out in the area, and one of the issues that the court has taken into account is how the demolition affects Västra Kikkejaure Sami village's important migration routes and collection area for reindeer near the work area.

The court has decided on conditions that will protect reindeer husbandry, both in terms of consultation and compensation.