« The distribution network will need to be adapted in line with the growth of solar energy »

Each month, we interview different sectors and professions on specific topics. For this October, the floor is given to energy suppliers regarding Switzerland's energy policy.

Responses from Philippe Mäder, Head of Media Relations at BKW.

Parliament and the Federal Council are focusing on increasing renewable energy in Switzerland, but shouldn't we rather encourage the modernization of the grid and the improvement of energy storage?

From our point of view, the three elements mentioned are necessary for the decarbonization of Switzerland's energy supply: we must produce more renewable energy, develop the distribution grid, and build energy reservoirs. These three elements are not contradictory, but they are interdependent.

At BKW, we are active on all three fronts by producing more renewable energy in Switzerland thanks to our wind park projects in the Bernese Jura and our photovoltaic installations in the Alps. We also invest about 120 million francs each year in our distribution network and wish to invest more in energy storage in the form of pumped-storage hydroelectric plants with the KWO (of which BKW is a shareholder).

However, problems arise when the political world considers these three elements in isolation. In the case of the "Solar-Express" law, for example, the conditions necessary for the rapid construction of alpine photovoltaic installations were indeed created, but the expansion of the grid necessary to evacuate the electricity was not taken into account.

Isn't it shocking that the Confederation is considering throttling solar production because the grid is not sufficiently adapted to absorb all that energy?

The new Electricity Act, which will come into force next year, should accelerate the development of solar energy. The distribution grid will also need to be adapted accordingly. But to achieve this, investments in the distribution network must remain financially attractive.

The years to come will be decisive for achieving the goal of a secure electricity supply thanks to renewable energies.

As a producer and distributor, what are your expectations of the public authorities to get out of this impasse?

BKW campaigned in favor of a yes to the Electricity Act on June 9 and is pleased to have obtained a clear verdict from the population. We are ready to invest in the development of renewable energies and to carry out the corresponding projects in Switzerland. At the same time, a pragmatic implementation of the law in the ordinances, which are currently being developed, is necessary. As for the distribution networks, provided that the framework conditions allow it, we are ready to continue investing and to adapt them to needs.

In your experience, are the targets set by politicians for the energy transition still realistic and achievable, or, on the contrary, still very hypothetical?

By 2050, Switzerland wants to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. That means mobility, industrial processes, and building heating will be largely electrified. For Switzerland to reach this goal, much more domestic renewable electricity is needed. Renewable energy production facilities in winter will be decisive. In addition to alpine solar installations, hydroelectric plants and wind turbines also come into play.

Politicians have laid the foundations for this development with the Electricity Act. The success of implementation now requires the collaboration of all actors, including producers, grid operators, and consumers. The years ahead will be decisive for achieving the goal of a secure electricity supply thanks to renewable energies. BKW is willing to organize this energy transition in a comprehensive manner and to invest massively in the development of renewable electricity production.

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