For Rösti, saying yes to the blanket decree is a milestone and starting point
Published: Sunday, Jun 9th 2024, 18:00
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For Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, the "yes" to the energy decree is a milestone on the road to a secure electricity supply and at the same time a starting point. He told the media in Bern that many more steps must now be taken to convert and expand the electricity supply.
Hydro, solar and wind energy are essential to strengthen the electricity supply in winter, Rösti told the media in Bern on Sunday. Switzerland cannot afford procedures that take around 20 years for the approval and planning of projects and also for the expansion of the electricity grid.
The acceleration decree, which is intended to boost the planning and approval of large solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants, will therefore be followed by an acceleration bill for the electricity grid, as Rösti announced. The consultation process will start soon.
On Wednesday, the National Council will also discuss the law on supervision and transparency in the wholesale energy markets. According to Rösti, this will replace the rescue package for large electricity companies and should prevent major price fluctuations on the market.
The popular initiative "Anytime electricity for everyone (stop the blackout)" submitted in February 2024 is still before the Federal Council. It calls for the ban on the construction of nuclear power plants, which was adopted with the Energy Strategy 2050, to be lifted. The Federal Council has not yet taken a position on this.
The blanket decree should come into force at the beginning of 2025. Rösti said he hoped that the consensus from the referendum campaign would be confirmed in the implementation of projects. Complaints and objections could not be overturned, but at least major nature conservation organizations had backed the law.
A Yes to the biodiversity initiative in September would have a major impact on the expansion of the electricity supply, said Rösti in response to a journalist's question. The absolute protection demanded for certain areas could have the effect of eliminating areas suitable for electricity production. "Security of supply and biodiversity are both important goals," said Rösti.
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