Alliance stands up for secure power supply and renewable electricity
Published: Thursday, Apr 4th 2024, 12:40
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A more secure power supply in the face of rising electricity demand, more electricity from domestic renewable energies and less dependence on electricity from abroad: these are the arguments being used by a broad alliance of six political parties and business and environmental associations to campaign for a Yes vote on the energy decree on June 9.
The referendum campaign was launched on Thursday with a media appearance by parliamentarians from all six parliamentary groups. The Alliance argued that a secure and affordable electricity supply is the basis for a high quality of life and prosperity in Switzerland.
Pragmatic and constructive
Their representatives praised the energy decree as a compromise between the interests of electricity supply and the interests of nature and landscape conservation. The tenor was that Parliament had taken a pragmatic and constructive approach when drafting the law.
Only more domestic renewable electricity could quickly cover the rising demand for electricity. The proposal contains binding expansion targets for electricity production up to 2035 and 2050. If electricity becomes scarce in winter, domestic electricity could reduce dependence on foreign countries, the alliance argued. Due to decarbonization, electricity is likely to be more scarce in the future than it is today.
A simple question
The question to be answered by the referendum is a simple one, said National Councillor Roger Nordmann (SP/VD): "Do we want to improve the situation in a pragmatic way or remain rigid?" Electricity from hydropower and solar energy as well as saving electricity are necessary for the energy transition and moving away from nuclear power.
"The energy transition is possible in harmony with nature and heritage conservation," said National Councillor Aline Trede (Greens/BE). "I don't understand how anyone can be against it," she said, addressing the opponents. The approach of the bill is clear: electricity production has priority where the benefits are high and the damage is low.
More electricity from renewables
For the next five to fifteen years, the bill creates the conditions for a strong expansion of electricity production from renewable energies, explained SVP Councillor of States Jakob Stark (TG) - not without pleading for technological openness for the time after that. High electricity prices were only a threat in the event of a shortage. If a lot of electricity is produced, prices will be low.
"A lot is already underway," reported Beat Rieder (VS), member of the Council of States, on projects for hydropower plants and alpine solar plants in his canton. These plants would help to fill electricity gaps in winter. Solar panels in mountain regions supply electricity in winter in particular and are a supplement to hydroelectric power plants.
Solar energy will be a central pillar of the planned expansion, said National Councillor Jürg Grossen (GLP/BE). In the current year, ten percent of annual electricity consumption would be supplied by photovoltaic systems. If the expansion continues at the current rate, this figure will rise to around twenty percent in four years' time.
In terms of volume, the largest additions are expected on roofs and façades, said Grossen. Incentives for control systems and storage would ensure a secure supply even in bad weather. This would make the energy transition secure and affordable for consumers.
Plenty of potential for wind energy
Wind energy still has great untapped potential in Switzerland, added National Councillor Jacqueline de Quattro (FDP/VD). Switzerland has just 47 wind turbines, compared to Austria's 1,300. She refuted the arguments of opponents, stating that the influx of tourists had not suffered massively as a result, nor were birds dying en masse in the turbines.
110 members of the National Council and Council of States have joined the Alliance for a Secure Electricity Supply. Important business associations, renowned environmental organizations and numerous companies are also represented, as the Alliance writes.
It was created on the initiative of the umbrella organization of the industry for renewable energies and energy efficiency (Aeesuisse) and the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE).
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