Switzerland’s largest ‘open air’ solar farm planned at Bern Airport
The “BelpmoosSolar” project at Bern Airport aims to produce electricity for up to 15,000 homes from 2026.
Bradley, Simon (swissinfo)
A huge solar farm – the equivalent of 35 football pitches – is being planned at Bern Airport aimed at producing electricity for up to 15,000 homes from 2026.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SRF/sb
Português
pt
Aeroporto de Berna vai acolher maior fazenda solar da Suíça
Flughafen Bern AG and the energy company BKW have joined forces to launch the “BelpmoosSolar” project. They want to install solar panels on one-third of the land at Bern Airport, approximately 25 hectares, to generate up to 35 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity per year, a joint press release External linksaidExternal link on Friday. Around 30% of the electricity will be generated in winter.
“The “BelpmoosSolar” project is proof that the central Plateau region [of Switzerland] has suitable sites for large-scale, open-air solar plants that can generate large amounts of electricity in a region that is already populated and close to residential and business centres,” the statement said.
The project is expected to cost around CHF30 million ($32.24 million). Official planning approval is still needed for the proposal.
More
More
Can solar panels on highways accelerate the supply of green energy?
This content was published on
Covering motorways with solar panels sounds like an ideal solution to boost the uptake of solar power. How would it work?
Bern is not the first airport with plans to use its land to generate solar-powered electricity. Vienna Airport already has an open-air facility of a similar size.
Switzerland is committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Solar power is one of the main planks of this strategy. Renewable energies must meet the growing demand for electricity. The authorities want 34 terawatt hours (TWh) of solar-generated electricity a year by 2050 (2.6TWh were generated in 2020).
Installing panels on existing building roofs and facades in Switzerland offers more than enough potential to meet growing needs for solar energy – at least on paper. They could provide 50TWh and 17TWh, respectively, says the Federal Office of Energy. But the government is encouraging cantons and entrepreneurs to explore other complementary measures like solar panels on highways, in the mountains and in other open spaces.
More
More
Electricity shortage boosts solar energy
This content was published on
Fears of an electricity shortage in Switzerland appear to have had a positive effect on the expansion of solar energy.
Mountaintop solar farms spark tensions in Switzerland
This content was published on
Building large solar parks in high-mountain regions is arguably an effective way to produce more power in winter. But it remains highly controversial.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter makes official visit to Austria
This content was published on
Karin Keller-Sutter, who took over the rotating Swiss presidency this year, has made her first official visit abroad as president to Austria.
This content was published on
The boss of Swiss Post, Roberto Cirillo, is stepping down at the end of March after six years in the job, the company announced on Friday.
This content was published on
The name and logo of the former Credit Suisse headquarters at Paradeplatz 8 in Zurich's financial centre were officially replaced by those of UBS on Friday.
Outgoing Swiss federal police chief warns of insufficient resources
This content was published on
The outgoing director of the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol), Nicoletta della Valle, has warned that officers, prosecutors and investigators in Switzerland have insufficient resources to do their work.
Swiss university inaugurates Europe’s most powerful centrifuge
This content was published on
The federal technology institute ETH Zurich has inaugurated Europe's most powerful geotechnical centrifuge. Researchers use the instrument to simulate the effects of natural hazards.
Swiss film industry reports successful year in 2024
This content was published on
Swiss films did well in cinemas in 2024, recording over 907,000 admissions, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reports. They accounted for almost 9% of all films shown last year in Switzerland.
Glencore and Rio Tinto held talks on mining’s biggest-ever potential merger, say reports
This content was published on
The Swiss-based mining and commodities group Glencore and the British company Rio Tinto reportedly held early-stage talks last year about combining their businesses.
First municipalities begin Swiss-wide plastic packaging recycling scheme
This content was published on
A new collection system to recycle plastic packaging and drinks cartons has begun in a handful of Swiss municipalities - others should follow in the coming weeks.
This content was published on
Despite an ongoing restructuring programme, Swiss retail giant Migros continued to grow last year by 1.6%, posting record sales of CHF32.5 billion ($35.7 billion).
Swiss researchers warn ‘mega-droughts’ are spreading around the world
This content was published on
"Mega-droughts" are increasing worldwide - becoming more frequent, hotter and more widespread over the past 40 years, a study published on Thursday shows.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Axpo to invest CHF1.5 billion in Swiss solar projects
This content was published on
The plans involve building solar plants in the Alps and in lower-lying regions by 2030, Switzerland's top energy firm said on Tuesday.
Electricity firms on the hunt for Alpine solar opportunities
This content was published on
After parliament recently eased regulations for building high-altitude solar parks, seven Swiss firms are looking around for options.
Report: solar power can reduce Swiss reliance on hydro
This content was published on
A study has outlined how new solar infrastructure, combined with existing dams, can help Switzerland avoid an energy shortage.
Swiss hydropower prepares for future energy shortage
This content was published on
The severe drought in Europe has hampered hydroelectric output across the continent. What is the impact on Switzerland, the water tower of Europe?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.