Better climate

For sustainable water management: submit your projects!

03/22/2026, 10:00 | Better climate

Alpiq, in partnership with the “Association des communes concédantes du Valais”, is launching the sixth edition of the #prixalpiq. This initiative recognises sustainable water management projects supported by municipalities in Valais. Project leaders may submit their applications until 15 September 2026, for a chance to win a total of CHF 50,000, including the #prixalpiq 2026 award or the “Coup de Coeur du Jury”.

In partnership with the Association des communes concédantes du Valais (ACC), Alpiq is launching the sixth edition of the #prixalpiq, which recognises projects promoting sustainable water management in Valais.

“Water is a resource with many faces. It takes various forms – liquid, snow, ice or vapour – and supports essential uses: drinking water, agriculture, energy, industry, leisure and tourism. However, it can also pose a risk, particularly through flooding and high water events, whose frequency and intensity are increasing as a result of climate change.

Sustainable and integrated water management is therefore a major challenge for our society. It is essential to ensure security of supply, strengthen the resilience of our territories, mitigate natural risks and preserve biodiversity. Whilst these challenges are complex and interdependent, they call for concrete, coordinated and sometimes innovative responses, led by local authorities in collaboration with local stakeholders. This is the very raison d’être of the support provided by the #prixalpiq: to promote innovation around this remarkable resource – water.”

Michael Plaschy, Head of Hydropower Production at Alpiq

#prixalpiq

What is it?
A competition that supports the municipalities of the Valais in the development of concrete projects to promote sustainable water management, whether in the fields of agriculture, the environment, energy, tourism, culture or other areas.

For whom is it for?
Municipalities, companies, start-ups, research centres, students and freelancers with a sustainable water management project. The project must be sponsored by one or more Valais municipalities.

When is it open?
Applications are open until 15 September 2026.

How much is it?
Prizes worth a total of CHF 50,000 will be awarded for the implementation of concrete solutions in Valais municipalities.

Who is behind it?
The #prixalpiq is organised by Alpiq in partnership with the Association of Concession-Granting Municipalities of Valais.

Tangible results

Over the past five years, the #prixalpiq has supported and encouraged the development of numerous concrete solutions in Valais. One example is the “Corbyre Sponge Catchment Area” project, winner of the 2025 edition, led by the municipality of Lens. “The award encourages us to continue innovating in order to preserve this resource for the population and future generations,” representatives explained at the award ceremony.

Another example is the municipalities of Bitsch, Bettmeralp, Lax and Riederalp, which received the 2024 “Coup de Coeur du Jury” for their project “Sustainable water supply planning in the Aletsch region”. The Association for Water Management and Development Planning in the Aletsch Region aimed to identify water-related challenges in order to develop a comprehensive water supply concept.