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When it comes to renewable energies, Switzerland almost brings up the rear in Europe. This is also due to the general conditions.
Switzerland performs poorly in wind and solar energy. In comparison with the 27 EU countries, it only manages to come in 23rd out of 28. That shows the Study by the Swiss Energy Foundation (SES)which is committed to promoting renewable energies in Germany.
According to this, Switzerland currently only covers around 5.5 percent of its total electricity consumption with domestic wind and solar power. As a comparison: In Denmark it is 53 percent. But also in Sweden or Germany there are significantly more than in Switzerland.
Bad general conditions
Felix Nipkow from the Swiss Energy Foundation, co-author of the study, explains the result as follows: “Many electricity companies have been investing heavily in renewable energies abroad for years. They also complain that they don’t find the right framework conditions in Switzerland.”
He suggests that Switzerland improve investment security for new plants. According to Nipkow, builders of wind and solar systems should be better protected against rock-bottom electricity prices.
Parliament is currently deliberating on measures related to the revision of the Energy Act. The expert sees opportunities above all in solar energy, but there is also still potential in wind power, despite dense population and objections from environmental organizations.