Photovoltaics, wind, small-scale hydropower and biomass provided 8.4% of the nation’s power – one percentage point higher than in 2018, announced the Swiss Federal Office of Energy on Monday.
Nuclear power plants supplied 19.1% of Switzerland’s electricity in 2019, while waste incineration provided just under 2%. The rest could not be verified.
From 2020, electricity from unverifiable sources – called grey electricity – will no longer be permitted. According to the energy office, large consumers will increasingly switch to domestic nuclear energy. Last year, the share of nuclear electricity in the supply mix increased compared to 2018, when it was 17.3%. In comparison, the proportion of imported coal-fired electricity dropped from 1% to 0.5% between 2018 and 2019.
The electricity produced within Switzerland is 56.4% hydroelectric, 35.2% nuclear, 2.6% fossil fuel-generated and just under 6% from new renewable energies.
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Switzerland continues to bet on geothermal energy
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Can energy sourced underground help the small Alpine nation meet its ambitious energy and climate goals?
Bodycams: essential for good law enforcement, or a privacy risk?
Did you ever come across bodycams in your place of residence and if so, how do you think the use of bodycams alter the relationship between the public and (transport) police?
Swiss commission sees need for action in security policy
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More spending on the army, defence cooperation with NATO and a revision of the neutrality policy: this is what a group of experts has recommended to the Swiss government.
Fossil of world’s oldest wasp discovered in Ticino
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Excavations in Ticino have uncovered 248 fossilised insects dating back 239 million years. Among the finds along the Gaggiolo stream near Meride is the oldest wasp found to date.
Young people in Europe use condoms less frequently
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Young people in Europe have used condoms much less frequently in recent years, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Switzerland, however, bucked the trend.
Nanoplastics found to interfere with tree photosynthesis
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Tiny plastic particles reach the leaves and needles of trees via the roots and disrupt photosynthesis. This was shown by researchers at ETH Zurich in an experiment.
Swiss pensions and child allowances to increase from 2025
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From 2025, old age and disability pensions will increase by 2.9% in Switzerland. The government is raising the minimum pension by CHF35 ($41.50) to CHF1,260.
Stricter Swiss sales and ad rules for tobacco products
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From October 1, stricter sales, advertising and notification regulations for tobacco products and electronic cigarettes will apply in Switzerland.
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Renewables: Switzerland waiting for Godot
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The Swiss approach to boosting renewable energy is far too passive and slow, finds a specialist for environmental science and management.
Swiss among worst solar and wind performers in Europe
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Switzerland meets only 4.2% of its electricity needs with wind and solar power, which is far from where it should be to meet climate goals.
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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.