Switzerland has been among the pioneers in using water for generating electric energy. Most of the possible sites for hydroelectric facilities have been used and little growth potential is left. In addition, five nuclear power plants currently in operation accounting for 39 percent of Switzerland’s power output. These plants reach the end of their life cycles within 15 –20 years. Recent studies say that without investing in new power plants the country may be facing a power shortage in future. New energy sources, particularly renewable energy, therefore become a top priority.

 

The Swiss government has initiated the “Energy 2000” programme and provided some £100 million annually for relevant R&D. Switzerland, as a result, joined the ranks of the world’s leaders in energy-related R&D. SwissEnergy is the follow-up programme and is likewise to run for ten years (i.e. up to 2010). The aims of SwissEnergy are laid down in the Federal Constitution, as well as in the energy and CO2 act, and are designed to accord with Swiss obligations under international climate conventions.
The promotion of renewable energy includes the procurement of relevant technology and equipment from abroad — an aspect which may be of interest to UK manufacturers. Renewables which, apart from hydropower, include solar, wood, biomass, wind, geothermal and ambient heat, also play an increasingly important role in today's Swiss energy mix. In 1997 Switzerland inaugurated its first wind powered pilot plant. A study financed by the Swiss Department of Energy found that some 1,500 wind turbines could be installed at about 400 sites taking into account wind and “aesthetic” considerations.

In addition, Switzerland is home to one oil-refinery (Shell) in the western part of the country. The Rhein port in Basle is the most important place of transhipment in Switzerland (Basle is also the cluster region for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry).

The current energy policy states that new nuclear power plants may not be built within the next 10 to 15 years. However, a modernisation programme is likely to take place. Furthermore, Switzerland is considering establishing new thermal and combined plants to prevent a possible shortage of power in the foreseen future.

HILSA – Construction trade show for Heating
technologies, pumps, building control systems, etc.
Messe Basel AG, 4005 Basel, Tel. + 41 58 200 20 20
www.hilsa.ch- The next HILSA will take place in 2008.

ENERGY Extra (newsletter)
The Swiss Federal Office for Energy
PO Box, CH 3003 Bern
www.energie-schweiz.ch

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