The proposal to create a network of reserve plants was presented on Wednesday for a period of public consultation that will end on November 18. This follows other measures, such as increasing capacity at hydropower plants, that have already been announced.
Like other European countries, Switzerland faces the prospects of power shortages during the winter, primarily due to Russia restricting gas supplies.
To alleviate the threat of blackouts, hydropower capacity will be increased. If this fails to plug any gaps, the Swiss government wants to establish reserve power plants, with up to a 1,000MW capacity, by February 2023.
These plants will be paid a fixed sum for participating in the scheme and compensation if their reserve power is used.
Such plants could run on gas or oil but must offset the CO2 they produce by taking part in emissions trading systems.
Permission has already been granted to build a new power plant in the northern Swiss town of Birr. The government proposes relaxing planning restrictions relating to noise and air pollution to help build up a network of reserve plants quickly.
Werner Luginbühl, President of the Federal Electricity Commission, told a press conference on Wednesday that the situation remains critical and that Switzerland may need good weather conditions to get through the winter with enough power.
Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga spoke of enormous time pressure to get reserves up and running.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Heard the one about the Swiss company installing laugh detectors?
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
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
Work to begin on Swiss backup power plant
This content was published on
The government has given the green light to begin building a temporary reserve power plant, to be operational from February 2023.
Switzerland is well prepared for winter energy crunch, says minister
This content was published on
The Swiss energy minister has expressed optimism that the country is sufficiently prepared to deal with any energy shortages this winter.
Swiss government sets up hydropower reserve in case of need
This content was published on
Switzerland is to set up a hydroelectric reserve at the cost of consumers to insure against possible electricity shortages.
This content was published on
Explainer: why is there a risk of an energy shortage this winter? What is Switzerland doing to reduce gas and electricity consumption?
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.