Energy efficiency remains a key lever.

In an interview given in early December to the Tages-Anzeiger, Christoph Brand, CEO of the Axpo group, warned Switzerland of the serious risk of energy shortages during the winter.

To support his remarks, the director mentioned the case of November 6, 2024, a day described as a "dark lull", that is to say without sun or wind to feed the photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. "While all of Germany's power plants were operating at full capacity and import lines were saturated, demand was barely met. Imagine if that had happened on a cold winter day: the lights would have gone out," he said.

At a time when the Federal Council seems ready to reopen the door to nuclear power in Switzerland, with its recent counter-proposal aimed at amending the Nuclear Energy Act, the country's energy future is at the center of concerns. But long before any revival of nuclear power, it is gas that seems to gather the majority of support.

Over the course of this January, we will look at the re-emergence of this energy source in people's minds. The viewpoint of Michael Beer, head of markets and regulation at BKW.

Do you share Christoph Brand's analysis of the serious risk of a future electricity shortage in Switzerland?

The increasing electrification of society and the gradual phase-out of nuclear power mean that in the long term, Switzerland will have to develop additional energy sources to ensure a reliable energy supply. In winter in particular, an electricity shortage could occur due to low water levels, power plant failures, or restrictions on energy imports from abroad. It is therefore crucial to be aware of this risk and to take appropriate preventive measures.

What should be done to reduce this risk to a minimum?

It is sensible to address the risk of electricity shortages through a set of complementary measures. This begins first and foremost with the development of domestic production, particularly in winter. The expansion of hydroelectric power, wind and solar energy — including in the Alpine regions — is unquestionably crucial.

Next, it is essential to ensure an effective and legally secure integration of Switzerland into the European electricity market. Our recently signed energy agreement with the EU should considerably strengthen this supply security.

Investments in modern, smart power grids, in energy storage technologies, as well as an increase in flexibility will also play a fundamental role. Finally, energy efficiency remains a key lever: every kilowatt-hour saved directly helps balance supply and demand.

A harmonious coordination of these measures will make our electricity supply more resilient.

In the future, it will be technically possible to operate these plants with non-fossil energy sources, such as renewable gases or green hydrogen.

Your colleague advocates for new gas-fired power plants to avoid any risk of shortage; what is your position on this issue?

Gas-fired power plants offer an effective solution to balance supply and demand at all times while providing great flexibility. Their commissioning can be achieved within a few years if necessary. In the future, it will be technically possible to operate these plants with non-fossil energy sources, such as renewable gases or green hydrogen. However, it is premature to assert that Switzerland will need gas-fired power plants. This need will depend on the development of renewable energies on the territory and on Switzerland's secure integration into the European market.

To depend partly on gas is also to depend on Europe's goodwill to supply it to us. Shouldn't the issue of storage finally be addressed?

Storage plays a crucial role for every energy source. Determining the storage capacity needed in Switzerland is above all a matter of managing political risks and cannot be resolved solely from an energy perspective.

In the energy mix targeted by Switzerland, rather than betting on gas, shouldn't there be stronger investment in hydrogen?

Hydrogen has the potential to play a central role in the future energy mix. This technology allows gas to be substituted by hydrogen. It is not an exclusive choice: the two energy sources are complementary and can replace each other according to needs. Connecting Switzerland to the European hydrogen transport network would be a strategic and relevant option.

This article has been automatically translated using AI. If you notice any errors, please don't hesitate to contact us.