Electricity from water, wind and sun

BKW’s energy sources at a glance

BKW is consistently focusing on renewable energy in its electricity generation. The emphasis is on hydropower, wind and solar energy, which complement each other perfectly: hydropower provides a reliable supply of electricity, wind energy makes an important contribution particularly in winter, and solar energy generates electricity mainly during the day and in sunnier months.

HydropowerBKW generates electricity with around 50 hydropower plants in Switzerland and Italy. Run-of-river, storage and pumped-storage power plants use flowing or stored water and also make an important contribution to the electricity supply in winter. Up to 52% of BKW’s electricity production comes from hydropower.Wind energyWind energy complements hydropower and solar energy, particularly during the winter months. Accounting for nearly 20% of BKW's electricity generation mix, it makes an important contribution to the electricity supply. Together with its partners, BKW operates around 40 wind farms in Switzerland and several other European countries.Solar energySolar energy has been an integral part of BKW's electricity generation for over 30 years. With solar power plants in Switzerland and planned projects both in Switzerland and abroad, BKW continues to expand its solar power generation. At the same time, BKW is actively involved in photovoltaic research and development.

At the end of 2019, BKW permanently disconnected the Mühleberg Nuclear Power Plant from the grid, making it the first nuclear power plant in Switzerland to be decommissioned. Since then, the production mix has continued to develop towards renewable energies: more than 70 percent of installed capacity is attributable to hydropower, wind energy, photovoltaics and biomass. In future, BKW will invest exclusively in production facilities using renewable energy, thereby further expanding the share of these energy sources. Its own electricity production also forms the basis for integrated energy solutions from a single source.Decommissioning of Mühleberg

Water, sun and wind

Electricity from water, sun and wind

Learn how we use water, sun and wind to generate electricity and further develop our plants.

Hydroelectric power since 1898BKW produces around half of its electricity from hydropower with around 50 hydroelectric power plants in Switzerland and Italy. The foundation for this was laid in 1898: the construction of the Hagneck hydroelectric power plant marked the starting point for the foundation of BKW.

• Run-of-river power plantsRun-of-river power plants harness the hydropower of flowing rivers. Because rivers normally always carry water, they reliably produce electricity throughout the year. The amount of electricity generated depends on the water level and the volume of water flowing through the turbines.
• Storage power plantsStorage power plants use the difference in elevation between a high-altitude reservoir and the lower-lying power plant. In summer, precipitation and snowmelt fill the reservoirs. The stored water can be released as needed.
• Pumped storage power plantsPumped-storage power plants generate hydropower energy primarily during periods of high demand. When there is an oversupply of electricity, they pump water up into the reservoir and, when needed, convert it back into electricity again within seconds. This means they function like a large battery.
• Ecology and water protectionHydropower plants interfere with natural watercourses. BKW is therefore ecologically rehabilitating its plants, as enshrined in law in the revised Waters Protection Act. By around 2030, BKW will ensure free fish migration at all power plants. This will be accompanied by measures to counter hydropeaking effects and improve bedload balance.

Large-scale battery storage

Our battery projects

Our planned battery storage systems complement electricity production from hydropower, solar and wind.

Large-scale battery storage systems absorb surplus electricity and release energy when required. They complement electricity production and balance out short-term fluctuations. Our projects in Switzerland and Germany are in the planning or implementation stage.

In Mühleberg, we are planning a battery storage system with an output of 400 MW and a capacity of 800 MWh. The feasibility study has been completed. An agreement in principle is in place with Swissgrid for the grid connection. Commissioning is planned for the first quarter of 2031.At the existing substation, we are planning 20 MW of power and 60 MWh of capacity. Commissioning is expected to be possible in the first quarter of 2028. The schedule depends on planning, permits and implementation.In Bickigen, we are examining the use of the available space for a battery storage system. The feasibility study is in its final phase and commissioning would be possible in the first quarter of 2030.In Bassecourt, we are continuing to examine how the planned site can be used for battery storage. The site assessments are ongoing and commissioning would be scheduled for the first quarter of 2029.With Luxcara and Trianel, we are developing a battery park with 900 MW and 1,800 MWh. Our share: 300 MW and 600 MWh. Construction work has started, and phased commissioning is planned from mid-2028.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We provide information about our power plants, projects and production sites.