Wind power in winter: Switzerland's untapped potential

BKW already has eleven wind farms in Italy – and is currently building a twelfth. Why?

Italy offers ideal conditions for wind energy: strong and stable winds, an open regulatory environment and a clear commitment to promoting renewable energies. That is why BKW already operates wind farms in Italy with a total output of 277 megawatts and is currently building another one with an installed capacity of 125 megawatts.

Our goal is to drive forward the energy transition while making use of regions with optimal conditions – and Italy is an excellent location for this. In addition, wind energy produces only around ten grams of CO2 emissions per kilowatt hour – including the manufacture of the wind turbines, their transport, installation and disposal. This makes wind power one of the most sustainable sources of energy. With production costs of 30 to 60 euros per megawatt hour, it is also the most cost-effective technology among renewables.

Should BKW not be building wind farms in Switzerland rather than in Italy?

We would very much like to do that! Switzerland is also a country with great potential for wind energy, especially in the winter months, when we need electricity the most, as 70 per cent of annual production is generated in the winter half-year. And with the Tramelan and Jeanbrenin wind farms, we have two very good projects in the Bernese Jura. Unfortunately, both have been blocked by objections for many years. But we are not giving up and are continuing to work towards the realisation of these wind farms. With solar projects such as BelpmoosSolar in the Central Plateau and hydro projects such as Trift, we are also diversifying our portfolio and strengthening security of supply for the future.

What is BKW planning in wind power with its new «Solutions 2030» strategy?

We cover the entire spectrum of wind energy – from planning and project development through to construction, operation and maintenance of wind farms. This is where we want to continue to grow. And thanks to our outstanding employees in Switzerland and other European countries, BKW has a strong tailwind in this area.

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