25.11.2020 | Recultivation following completion of the large-scale Linth-Limmern construction project
From construction site to grassy meadow
The kick-off for the construction of the giant battery in the Glarus Alps took place in 2009: Since the end of 2016 the Linth-Limmern pumped storage plant (LPSP) produces electricity. The recultivation of the areas used for this large-scale construction site is nearly complete: Using compost from Axpo's own composting stations.
3000 workers, 330 000 cubic metres of concrete, 3.5 million tonnes of material: Those are the impressive figures pertaining to the giant construction site in the Glarus Alps. Today, eleven years after the start of construction, dismantling work has largely been completed and, for the most part, the areas used have been recultivated. The compost, which is extremely well suited for use in recultivation, is produced at the Axpo Biomasse AG's composting sites.
With its composting sites, Axpo puts a strong focus on returning high quality nutrients to the natural cycle. Over a time period of eight months, high quality compost products are produced from non-fermentable biomass.
How is compost produced?
Shredded, non-fermentable green waste is piled up in long rows (known as windrows) at Axpo's own composting stations. Turning machines remix the material several times per week so that air and moisture enters the compost to optimise the decomposition process. Specialists supervise the process and regularly take samples to analyse composition.
These compost products can be used as natural fertiliser in a diverse number of ways. For example, for the recultivation of the LPSP construction site. The compost improves soil structure, supports plant growth and accelerates recultivation. Valuable nutrients in the compost find their way back into the ground and the natural life cycle is completed. Soil quality is enhanced and the meadow becomes green more quickly by using natural fertiliser.
Axpo benefits from its own diversity
As this example demonstrates, Axpo's various business areas work closely together. Recultivation work at the site of the largest hydropower plant project was undertaken and successfully completed in close cooperation with a nearby Axpo composting plant.
By the way, our compost products are also ideally suited for your own garden. Products are available in packaged or loose form at all of our composting stations.
