Swiss government plans hydropower reserves and power plants
Electricity produced in Switzerland is 56% hydroelectric, while 35% is nuclear, 3% fossil fuel-generated and just under 6% from other renewable energies.
Keystone / Alessandro Della Bella
Switzerland is planning new hydropower reserves and three back-up power stations to prepare for any potential energy crunch in the coming years.
The Swiss government wants to strengthen the supply of future energy and the national power network as it phases out nuclear energy and creates more renewables, including hydropower.
The government announced on Thursday that it had approved the setting up of a hydropower reserve by winter 2022/23. Companies operating Alpine dams and reservoirs and hydropower storage plants will be obliged to retain some energy in return for an unspecified fee.
The government has also instructed the energy ministry to draw up plans to build and operate peak-load power plants from around 2025-2026.
“The reserve power plants are to be available in the event of extraordinary shortages and are to be operated in a climate-neutral manner,” the government said in a statementExternal link, adding it was also preparing measures to improve electricity efficiency.
These would be used to cover needs in exceptional circumstances when the market is unable to meet demand.
In a report, the Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom) recommends building two or three gas-fired power stations with a total capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts. According to estimates, the investment costs for the plants could be up to CHF900 million ($976 million), or less if existing plants and infrastructure were used.
The details of these plans and proposed locations must still be finalised.
Electricity produced in Switzerland is 56% hydroelectric, 35% nuclear, 3% fossil fuel-generated and just under 6% from other renewable energies.
Energy crunch
There is a risk of a future electricity shortage in Switzerland, especially in winter, according to some experts.
“The most pessimistic scenario foresees a shortage lasting several weeks,” Werner Luginbühl, ElCom president, told reporters in Bern on Thursday.
More
More
Swiss energy bills contained, but future crunch looms
This content was published on
Switzerland has so far been insulated from huge spikes in energy costs. But future energy security is a cause for concern.
The question of future energy supply and possible power outages has sparked keen debate among politicians and business leaders.
Last October the Swiss government shared its vision for coping with major power outages from 2025 in a brochure sent to 30,000 Swiss companies. It said firms could be ordered to reduce their electricity consumption by a specific percentage in the event of a shortage.
In the absence of an electricity agreement with the European Union, such a scenario is likely if large power plants fail in Switzerland or abroad, it warned.
“A power shortage is, next to a pandemic, the greatest threat to Switzerland’s energy supply,” Economics Minister Guy Parmelin said in a video.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers
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?
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Switzerland targets 65% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035
This content was published on
Switzerland has set an ambitious goal to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
Switzerland cuts foreign aid to Albania, Bangladesh and Zambia
This content was published on
This decision comes after the parliament allocated less funding for foreign aid in December than the government had requested.
Switzerland to end international adoptions by 2026
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will no longer be able to adopt children from abroad. The government plans to halt these adoptions to prevent potential abuses.
Home ownership costs in Switzerland up by 2% in 2024
This content was published on
Home ownership in Switzerland became slightly more expensive in 2024. Central Switzerland has the priciest single-family homes at CHF1.78 million.
This content was published on
Six months into his tenure, Vice Chancellor Andrea Arcidiacono said he will leave the Federal Chancellery at the end of March.
Swiss Muslim campaigner faces defamation complaint
This content was published on
The Vaudois Union of Muslim Associations continues its defamation complaint against Saïda Keller-Messahli for her remarks in Le Matin Dimanche.
DRC fighting: UN reports rape and relocates non-essential staff
This content was published on
The UN has moved non-essential staff from Goma in the DRC, after M23 rebels entered on Monday. Reports of rape and looting have emerged.
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
Swiss minister bemoans lack of investment in renewables
This content was published on
Switzerland has not developed enough renewable energy over the past ten years, according to Environment Minister Simonetta Sommaruga.
Switzerland outlines 15 Alpine hydro projects for the future
This content was published on
Fifteen major hydro projects have been named that could help Switzerland achieve energy security and a green transition over the coming decades.
Swiss energy bills contained, but future crunch looms
This content was published on
Switzerland has so far been insulated from huge spikes in energy costs. But future energy security is a cause for concern.
This content was published on
Swiss voters have rejected legislation at the heart of the country’s strategy to abide by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
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.