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Forskningsartikel2023Vetenskapligt granskadÖppen tillgång

Evaluation of cost efficiency in hydropower-related biodiversity restoration projects in Sweden - a stochastic frontier approach

Tirkaso, Wondmagegn Tafesse; Gren, Ing-Marie

Sammanfattning

Various restoration projects intended to mitigate the adverse ecological effects of hydropower plants, e.g. by restoration of fish habitats and spawning grounds, have been implemented in different parts of the world. However, it is unclear whether these projects are in line with least-cost principles. In this study, we estimated the cost efficiency level for different biodiversity mitigation measures in Sweden by using stochastic frontier analysis with data from 245 projects in Sweden that were carried out between 1987 and 2013. The results indicated evidence of cost inefficiency in the projects, which had an average efficiency score of 53%, suggesting a potential to reduce costs by 47%. Project ownership by private entities compared with municipalities showed a statistically significant reduction of the cost inefficiency score. This points out a possibility of reducing the total cost of restoration by targeting relatively efficient project owners.

Nyckelord

Hydropower; biodiversity restoration; cost efficiency; stochastic frontier analysis

Publicerad i

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
2023, Volym: 66, nummer: 2, sidor: 221-240
Utgivare: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR AND FRANCIS LTD

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    • UKÄ forskningsämne

      Miljöledning

      Publikationens identifierare

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.1987865

      Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

      https://res.slu.se/id/publ/114424