The reserve plant was ordered by the government in September in response to potential power shortages this winter. It will have eight turbines fitted out to operate with gas, oil or hydrogen.
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Switzerland braces for winter energy crunch
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Explainer: why is there a risk of an energy shortage this winter? What is Switzerland doing to reduce gas and electricity consumption?
The temporary back-up facility, costing CHF460 million ($485 million), is slated to remain in place in Birr until 2026. Once operational, it will generate around a quarter of the energy provided by the Leibstadt nuclear power plant.
Like many European countries, Switzerland is facing the prospect of power shortages, primarily as a result of Russia restricting gas imports following its invasion of Ukraine.
The first gas turbines have already been delivered to the Birr plant and will be connected next month in readiness for testing, GE said.
The government has toned down environmental and noise restrictions for the plant as it is deemed of vital importance to energy security.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Five years after Covid lockdown, former Swiss health advisor looks back on crisis
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Daniel Koch, former head of communicable diseases at the Federal Office of Public Health, recalls the key role played by the Swiss government during the Covid-19 crisis.
Credit Suisse turned down takeover bids one year before collapse
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The management of Credit Suisse turned down takeover bids just over a year before the bank collapsed, says American investment banker Bob Diamond.
Geneva human rights film fest rewards 12 ‘impactful’ productions
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The Geneva Grand Prix of the 2025 International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH) has been awarded to the Egyptian documentary, Les Filles du Nil.
Top Swiss commerce official to meet with Trump administration
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The head of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, will travel to Washington next week.
Former US general advises Switzerland to prepare for war
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According to former United States general Ben Hodges, the withdrawal of US troops from Europe is only a matter of time. In an interview with SonntagsBlick, he advises Switzerland to prepare for war.
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The author of the bestseller Swiss Watching and former member of SWI swissinfo.ch's Public Council, Diccon Bewes, died on March 11 after a battle with cancer.
Anti-separatists in Bernese Jura mark 50th anniversary of crucial vote
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Anti-separatist circles celebrated in Tramelan (BE) on Saturday the 50th anniversary of the vote of 16 March 1975 in which the population of the Bernese Jura chose to remain part of the Bernese Confederation. The theme of the jubilee was the identity of the Bernese Jura after Moutier's departure.
Nearly one in two bicycles sold in Switzerland is an e-bike
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In 2024, almost every second bicycle sold in Switzerland was an e-bike. Overall, around 14% fewer bikes were sold than in the previous year.
Over 200 Swiss firms sign up to CO2 reduction targets
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To date, 237 companies from Switzerland have joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), committing to CO2 reduction targets in line with the Paris Accord.
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.
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Work to begin on Swiss backup power plant
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The government has given the green light to begin building a temporary reserve power plant, to be operational from February 2023.
Government moots backup plans in case of electricity shortages
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The government has presented a draft step-by-step plan to come into effect should there be a serious shortage of electricity.
Energy crisis ‘will last many years’, says economics minister
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Guy Parmelin says it is important not only to think about the winter, but to do everything to ensure that Switzerland produces more energy.
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Leading voices from business and politics have called on the Swiss government to do more about possible energy and gas shortages over the winter.
Swiss government sets up hydropower reserve in case of need
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Switzerland is to set up a hydroelectric reserve at the cost of consumers to insure against possible electricity shortages.
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The Federal Cabinet is forming a special unit to respond to possible energy shortages, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has confirmed.
Swiss prepare for energy shortage ‘extreme scenarios’
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Swiss government and cantons want to be prepared for “extreme scenarios” in the face of possible energy shortages this winter, an official says.
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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.