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A waiver of gas would have consequences for local companies. Because many are dependent on the energy source in production.
Bernhard Kunz puts it bluntly: “For us, gas is elementary.” Kunz is the managing director of BHZ Baustoff, which produces asphalt coverings. The company needs gas to build roads. “Many asphalt plants have switched from heating oil to natural gas in the last 15 years in order to achieve their CO₂ targets,” says Kunz.
For the time being, he doesn’t have to worry about the gas supply. Although prices fluctuate greatly, gas storage facilities in Europe are normally full. That would change if Europe stopped buying gas from Russia. Then it would no longer work without rationing, as Werner Luginbühl, President of the Elcom supervisory authority, said in the “NZZ”.
It is not clear who will receive gas in the event of rationing
Who would get gas then? The Federal Office for National Economic Supply recently announced that documents that regulate the specific procedure for quotas are being prepared.
Is it now more important that we have asphalt or that we have glass for photovoltaic systems?
This is an extremely demanding task, and it is almost impossible to do it in a fair process, says Sabine Perch-Nielsen. She advises companies on energy issues. “Is it more important that we have asphalt or that we have glass for photovoltaic systems?” she asks, to illustrate possible distribution battles between gas buyers.
It is obvious, says Thomas Hegglin from the Swiss Gas Industry Association, that social institutions such as hospitals need energy. Should it really come to quotas, clear criteria would have to be established.
Switching energy sources could take months
According to asphalt entrepreneur Bernhard Kunz, who is also President of the Swiss Asphalt Association, rationing would affect numerous companies in the industry. “Without natural gas, 20 percent of the plants would not be able to switch to alternative fuels.” Switching to other energy sources takes months – and requires high investments.
Without natural gas, 20 percent of the plants would not be able to switch to alternative fuels.
Additional gas storage facilities, such as those currently being examined by Switzerland, could mitigate the risk of rationing somewhat, but not avert it. Because storage facilities of this kind could only cover a small part of the gas requirement, says Sabine Perch-Nielsen. “Even with these storage systems, we will not be able to become completely independent.” Especially since the gas storage tanks also have to be filled.