For the gas sector, storage in Switzerland remains a major challenge.

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

To support his remarks, the director mentioned the case of 6 November 2024, a day described as a "dark lull", that is, without sun or wind to feed the photovoltaic panels and the 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 this 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 appears to receive the majority of support.

Since the beginning of January, we have been interested in the re-emergence of this energy source in people's minds. Today we discuss it with Christian Gyger, interim spokesperson of the Swiss Gas Industry Association (ASIG).

After the warnings that occurred in 2022, what is Switzerland's situation in terms of gas reserves?

The gas supply situation has eased. However, several risk factors remain, notably winter temperatures, the economic situation in Asia and the expiration, at the end of the year, of the transit contract via Ukraine. The gas industry has once again made significant efforts to strengthen supply security and to prepare for possible reductions in exports from neighboring countries to Switzerland in the event of a shortage.

Another positive point: although not a member of the EU, Switzerland has been able to conclude a solidarity agreement with Italy and Germany. Furthermore, the good fill level of gas reservoirs in Europe also constitutes an asset for supply security. Currently, EU stocks are below 70%, a level slightly below the five-year average.

Admittedly, dependence on foreign infrastructures is not ideal, but so far, Switzerland has not encountered major difficulties with storage outside its borders.

At the Swiss Gas Industry Association, do you consider today that the new structure put in place by Switzerland, providing for a reserve equivalent to 15% of the country's annual consumption, is appropriate?

This measure has, in principle, proven itself.

What does the solidarity agreement signed between Switzerland, Germany and Italy imply?

The solidarity agreement is a major step forward in strengthening supply security, not only in Switzerland but also in Germany and Italy. It aims to guarantee the gas supply of protected customers in case of shortage, such as households, hospitals and emergency services, through deliveries from Germany or Italy. In return, Switzerland commits to supporting its neighbors in case of emergency.

Shouldn't Switzerland be more active in protecting itself against the risk of gas shortages in the future?

In recent years, the gas industry has made significant efforts to ensure supply security. The solidarity agreement constitutes an additional lever to further optimize the current situation.

One of Switzerland's main challenges lies in its dependence on Europe. Shouldn't consideration be given to putting storage solutions in place on national territory?

In Switzerland, gas storage projects have always existed. Currently, Gaznat is carrying out such a project in Oberwald, in the canton of Valais. For the gas sector, gas storage in Switzerland remains a major issue. However, certain technical and economic questions remain to be clarified, notably the financing of such storage in a liberalized gas market.

The Confederation is also studying ways to encourage the development of gas storage capacities in Switzerland. However, storing gas abroad remains a more economical solution. Admittedly, dependence on foreign infrastructures is not ideal, but so far, Switzerland has not encountered major difficulties with storage outside its borders.

For example, Switzerland does not have a law on gas supply; shouldn't one be established urgently?

Specific laws are necessary to establish clear rules for all actors in the gas market. It would also be appropriate to legislate on aspects related to supply security.

The Confederation must now send strong signals about the importance of hydrogen and define clear framework conditions in order to promote investment.

To eventually replace fossil gas, wouldn't it be appropriate to integrate a green hydrogen network into the future European network right now, while laying the foundations for synthetic fuels capable of facilitating energy storage and helping certain sectors decarbonize?

One of the main objectives of the gas industry is to achieve a decarbonized gas supply by 2050. In this regard, green hydrogen plays a key role. That is why the sector is actively working to establish a hydrogen economy in Switzerland.

Because of Switzerland's integration into the European gas infrastructure, it is now essential to establish, as soon as possible, a connection to the European hydrogen pipeline network, called the "European H₂-Backbone". This would allow imports to be transported to Switzerland from European ports as early as the 2030s, in an energetically and economically efficient manner.

The Confederation must now send strong signals about the importance of hydrogen and define clear framework conditions in order to promote investment.

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