Comparative analysis of the development opportunities at the placement and construction of hydropower plants on the River Mura in Austria and HPP Hrastje Mota in Slovenia

This master thesis discussed the scope of developmental opportunities of the spatial placement of large infrastructures, not only for the state but also for local communities. It addressed the issue of placement and construction of hydropower plants on the Mura River in Austria and Slovenia in the light of the commitments taken by the Republic of Slovenia, regarding the increased use of renewable energy sources by 2020 and 2040. The thesis includes an analysis of developmental opportunities from the perspective of local communities, which have already constructed hydropower plants in Austria, and the first planned hydropower plant Hrastje Mota in Slovenia. We compare the development expectations of the local communities, spatial aspects of the regulatory, environmental aspects, and in particular the aspect of social acceptability in Austria and Slovenia. Shown are some examples of good practice development opportunities at already constructed hydropower plants on the river Mura in Austria. It was found that the placement of hydropower plant Hrastje Mota on the river Mura is possible with the appropriate technical adjustments and building the necessary measures for social acceptance. Social acceptability would be easier to achieve with the establishment of the »Moderator for natural and built environment« as an institution. Furthermore, the local community during the construction of hydropower plant Hrastje Mota see their development opportunities primarily in the construction of accompanying infrastructure arrangements and arrangements falling within the segment of new opportunities in tourism and improving the environment