The uncertainties remain in terms of electricity supply in Switzerland. Electricity reserves remain necessary in the medium term, the Federal Electricity Commission (ELCOM) said on Thursday at a press conference.
The security of the supply should be guaranteed for next winter, indicates the Federal Electricity Commission (ELCOM). However, uncertainties remain, in particular on import capacities, the development of renewable energies or the evolution of consumption.
Gas power plants are essential for supply security in Europe and gas availability is a critical factor, the ELCOM said. The level of tanks in Europe is low and the filling pace is uncertain. In view of the geopolitical situation, the global gas market is also uncertain, adds the commission.
>> Read also: Swiss and European gas stocks again reach a very low level
The ELCOM notes, however, that the availability of French nuclear power plants is positive and that the continuous development of renewable energies contributes to supply security.
alert maintained
As shown last winter, weather conditions can influence the supply of electricity at European level. The alert cannot therefore be lifted for Switzerland.
The ELCOM believes that preventive measures in the form of winter reserves (hydroelectric and thermal) are still indicated.
Consumers should see their electricity bill slightly decrease, said the president of the Elcom, Werner Lunginbühl., Its director Urs Meister adding that there are no shortage of shortage on the markets.
No improvement by 2035
The ELCOM has also updated its 2023 analyzes to assess the safety of the supply of electricity in the medium and long term. The Commission starts from the hypothesis that electricity consumption will increase by 17 to 34% by 2035, due in particular to electromobility, heat pumps and “data centers”.
At the same time, renewable energies will continue to develop. The operating time of the Beznau power station has also been extended until 2033 and the Leibestadt and Gösgen power plants will be active beyond 2035.
>> Reread: Axpo extends the life of Beznau, the oldest nuclear power plant in the world
To fix the reserve, the ELCOM is based on winter production. This measures the resilience of the Swiss supply system using parameters relating to dependence on winter imports. The target values for minimum resilience and the determination of the necessary reserves are maximum net imports between 5 and 7.5 TWh and a capacity for autonomy of at least 22 days at the end of winter in March, specifies the commission.
According to the various scenarios studied, the supply situation should not improve by 2035 and it is not excluded that additional reservations are necessary. This is particularly the case if Switzerland cannot import electricity or little, if it cannot sign an agreement on electricity with the EU.
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