Renewable Energy

We support the energy transition

Switzerland has signed the Paris Agreement and aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Around 70% of Switzerland’s energy consumption is currently covered by imported, largely non-renewable energy. The transformation of the energy system therefore requires a holistic approach.

Goals of the Confederation and the companyThe Energy Act (EnG) specifies how much domestic production from renewable energy sources should increase: 35 TWh by 2035 and 45 TWh by 2050, excluding hydropower (Art. 2 para. 1 EnG), as well as net production from hydropower of at least 39,2 TWh (Art. 2 para. 2 EnG). We ourselves have set the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 from 2040, and also in Scope 3 from 2050. By 2030, we want to halve our greenhouse gas intensity compared with 2022.

ProductionExpand renewablesWe are expanding production from renewable energy sources – hydropower, wind energy, photovoltaics.ProceduresApprove fasterHydropower and wind energy projects are sometimes blocked for decades.Winter energyElectricity when it’s scarceSystems with a high share of winter electricity are becoming increasingly important.FlexibilityCreating balanceStorage power plants, battery storage systems and controllable loads compensate for fluctuations.

Framework conditions

Procedures and grid expansion

Expansion will only progress if permits are granted more quickly and the grid grows alongside it.

Both are needed at the same time: for generation facilities and for grid infrastructure.

Accelerating proceduresThe expansion of production from renewable energy sources and grid expansion require efficient approval and appeals procedures. Today, these procedures take a long time: hydropower and wind energy projects are sometimes blocked for decades. We therefore support the simplification and acceleration of procedures. The best way to achieve this is through partnership-based agreement with municipalities, cantons and other stakeholders.The grid must evolve tooAs Switzerland’s largest distribution system operator, we ensure that the grid infrastructure is suited to the transformation of the energy system. The expansion of photovoltaic systems, electromobility and heat pumps is changing load flows right down to the lower grid levels. To prevent the distribution grid from becoming a bottleneck, we are converting and expanding it with foresight.Winter energy and flexibilityThe federal government is placing a strong emphasis on photovoltaics in the expansion. These systems produce surpluses in summer, while electricity becomes scarce in winter. Systems with a high proportion of winter electricity therefore require special attention: wind energy and storage power plants. Flexibility will be just as important – on the production side through storage power plants and battery storage systems, and on the consumption side through controllable loads.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the energy system

Answers about our targets, approval procedures, grid expansion and choice of technology.

Contact our Public Affairs team for questions about the energy transition.