The energy sector in Switzerland is, by its structure and importance, typical of a developed country. Apart from hydroelectric power and firewood, the country has few indigenous energy resources: oil products, natural gas and nuclear fuel are imported, so that by 2013 only 22.6% of primary energy consumption will have been covered by local resources. Final energy consumption in Switzerland has increased more than fivefold since the beginning of the 20th century, from around 170,000 to 896,000 terajoules per year, with the largest share now being captured by transport. This increase was made in parallel with the strong development of its economy and the increase in population. As the sector is highly liberalised, the federal energy policy aims to accompany the promises made in Kyoto by promoting a more rational use of energy and, particularly since the 1990s, the development of new renewable sources. Thanks to the high share of hydroelectricity and nuclear power in electricity production, Switzerland's per capita energy-related CO2 emissions are 28% lower than the European Union average and roughly equal to those of France. Following the earthquake that struck Japan in March 2011 and the Fukushima nuclear accident, the Federal Council announced on 25 May 2011 a phase-out of nuclear energy scheduled for 2034. This "2050 energy strategy" was accepted by 58.2% of the population in a popular vote on May 21, 2017, and the new legislation came into force in 2018.
History
The energy economy in Switzerland developed similarly to the rest of Europe, but with some delay until 1850. There are three different periods. An agrarian society until the mid-nineteenth century, Switzerland's small scale energy economy was based on wood and biomass, which was in general renewable energy. Also used were wind power and hydraulic power, and, from the eighteenth century, indigenous coal. The industrial society, from 1860 to 1950, had to import coal as it was the main source of energy but not readily available as a natural resource. Another important source of energy was water power at low or high pressure. The current consumer society, developed using mostly oil, natural gas, water power to a lesser extent, and later nuclear energy. The oil crisis and pollution of the environment prompted the increased use of renewable energy. It is notable that 100% of the Swiss railway network is electrified. The high proportion of energy generated through hydroelectric power and the lack of natural resources help to explain why such a situation is strategically beneficial in Switzerland.
Energy strategy 2050
On 21 May 2017, Swiss voters accepted the new Energy Act establishing the 'energy strategy 2050'. The aims of the energy strategy 2050 are:
The Swiss government has set a target to cut fossil fuel use 20% by the year 2020 Most of the energy produced within Switzerland is renewable from Hydropower and biomass. However this only accounts for around 15% of total overall energy consumption as the other 85% of energy used is imported, mostly derived from fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Hydro
Based on the estimated mean production level, hydropower still accounted for almost 90% of domestic electricity production at the beginning of the 1970s, but this figure fell to around 60% by 1985 following the commissioning of Switzerland's nuclear power plants, and is now around 56%. Hydropower therefore remains Switzerland's most important domestic source of renewable energy. Hydro energy was meaning to be taken down in 2013 with new laws on energy to be put in place but they were scrapped for a more eco friendly plan. Hydroelectric companies received support from the state. Critics pointed out the lack of independence of the political institutions, of which several elected members are connected with the hydroelectric industry.
Wind
There has been a proposal to produce around 600 GWh of electricity per annum using wind turbines by 2030.
Solar
in Switzerland currently only accounts for 0.04% of total energy production. Currently the cost of solar energy is significantly higher than competing sources in Switzerland such as hydro. As costs of solar come down it is likely to become more market competitive. It is currently subsidised in an attempt to make it more competitive and attractive. 2019 Switzerland announced plans of large scale solar auctions.
Electricity
Switzerland's per capita electricity consumption is slightly higher than that of its neighbours. Production of electricity :
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy is within the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications. SwissEnergy is a program aiming at promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy with the collaboration of the cantons and municipalities, and partners from trade and industry, environmental and consumer organisations. A report was published in 2011 by the World Energy Council in association with Oliver Wyman, entitled Policies for the future: 2011 Assessment of country energy and climate policies, which ranks country performance according to an energy sustainability index. The best performers were Switzerland, Sweden and France.
Carbon dioxide emissions
A study published in 2009 showed that the emissions of carbon dioxide due to the electricity consumed in Switzerland are seven times higher than the emissions of carbon dioxide due to the electricity produced in Switzerland. The study also showed that the production in Switzerland is similar to the amount of electricity consumed in the country. Overall, Switzerland export 7.6 TWh and import 6.8 TWh; but, in terms of emissions of carbon dioxide, Switzerland export "clean" electricity causing emissions of 0.1 million tonnes of and import "dirty" electricity causing emissions of 5 million tonnes of. The electricity produced in Switzerland generated about 14 grammes of per kilowatt hour. The electricity consumed in Switzerland generated about 100 grammes of per kilowatt hour.
