"Opposition to wind turbines is not widespread, but it is well organized and funded"

Filed on 25 July 2025, validated at the end of September, the two federal popular initiatives “Against the destruction of our forests by wind turbines (initiative for the protection of forests)” and “For the protection of direct democracy regarding wind parks (initiative for the protection of municipalities)” have revived the wind power question in Switzerland.

We conclude our series of interviews on this topic with Léonore Hälg, head of the Renewable Energies and Climate sector at the Swiss Energy Foundation.

In light of the successful filing of the two latest initiatives dedicated to wind power, a first question arises: does this energy source really have a future in Switzerland?

Yes, absolutely. On the one hand, wind energy is genuinely progressing in Switzerland. Three projects totaling ten turbines are currently under construction and will enter service at the end of this year or the beginning of next year: the sites of Gütsch, Windpark and Sur Grati. Several other projects have recently obtained, or are about to obtain, their construction permits.

On the other hand, wind energy is now widely recognized as an essential component of electricity supply security. The Federal Council must soon decide on the interim targets concerning the development of renewable electricity production for 2030, and we expect ambitious targets for wind power.

Moreover, several recent polls confirm public support for wind energy. The latest AES survey shows that 72% of the population consider the development of wind power relevant to guarantee electricity supply, and 59% of respondents say they are in favor of installing turbines on hills visible from their balcony. In 60% of the cases where the population is called upon to vote on concrete projects in their municipality, the vote is favorable. In the long term, perception remains positive, as illustrated by the case of Roland Aregger mentioned in an NZZ article.

It therefore clearly appears that the two recently filed initiatives do not reflect the opinion of the broad majority of the Swiss population.

How can such an anti-wind momentum in our country be explained?

In our view, opposition to wind energy is not necessarily massive, but it is very well structured and financed. It mobilizes various conservative circles, including the pro-nuclear movement, landscape defenders and Ecopop sympathizers. The UDC has moreover made wind energy a central theme of its campaign against the energy transition. This targeted mobilization is enough to make itself heard by the general public.

Switzerland aims to install around 1,000 wind turbines by 2050 as part of its energy mix. But given the current context, does this figure not seem out of reach?

The achievement of this objective will depend on several factors, notably the implementation by the cantons of the recently adopted law aimed at accelerating procedures in energy matters, as well as the success or failure of the initiatives mentioned.

The Environment Alliance, to which our organization belongs, has published its vision of energy supply for Switzerland by 2035. We expect a development of around 3 TWh, i.e. nearly 300 wind turbines by 2035, an achievable objective while minimizing conflicts with biodiversity.

Switzerland has a moral responsibility: it must cover its own electricity needs, at least on its annual balance.

Wouldn't it be better, for BKW, to go and finance wind projects abroad, where procedures encounter fewer obstacles, even if it means then importing this energy into Switzerland?

It would indeed be simpler and faster to build wind turbines abroad. However, it would be neither sustainable nor fair to transfer the burden of our energy demand to other countries, as is already the case with fossil fuels. Switzerland has a moral responsibility: it must cover its own electricity needs, at least on its annual balance. Other countries also need to decarbonize their own electricity supply and likewise need to fully exploit their production potential.

Furthermore, it is not currently guaranteed that we can import electricity at any time. Since 2025, the European Union has applied the 70% rule, which can greatly limit Swiss import and export capacities in case of congestion of border lines. This situation is explained by the fact that Switzerland is not part of the European internal electricity market. Acceptance of the electricity agreement with the EU would change that.

In September, the Federal Chambers adopted the law aimed at accelerating procedures for renewable energies. Could this give a bit of momentum back to wind power in Switzerland?

Yes. This law could really change the game, particularly for wind energy. Until now, projects could be subject to two successive appeals: first to the cantonal jurisdiction, then to the federal jurisdiction, which considerably lengthened the authorization procedures.

The new law aims to better coordinate and simplify these processes in the interest of all parties. It could thus considerably strengthen the attractiveness of projects, particularly new sites, and generate renewed interest. Axpo is a good example: the company has launched numerous wind projects in collaboration with the concerned municipalities.

How to restart the wind power issue in Switzerland? How to overcome the famous syndromes “NYMBY” (Not In My Backyard) and “BANANA” (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything)?

The survey mentioned above, as well as the results of votes at the municipal level, show that these phenomena of opposition are less pronounced than generally thought. Moreover, several examples in Switzerland and abroad indicate that when the use of a technology becomes widespread and gains visibility, its acceptance tends to increase. Thus, the voters of Chur and the canton of Lucerne, where wind turbines are already installed, have recently approved new projects by a large majority.

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