Swiss electricity boss: energy policy not to blame for shortages
The head of the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) reckons a winter energy crisis is virtually unavoidable. However, he said the cause of the problem – war in Ukraine – was also difficult to predict.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Português
pt
Política energética não é culpada pela falta de energia
Speaking to SRF public radio on Saturday, Werner Luginbühl said the “exorbitant rise in electricity prices” was already putting certain Swiss businesses into existential difficulty.
The Elcom boss added that while “we are doing everything to ensure there will be no electricity shortages this winter”, the risk has not diminished in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, Elcom laid out plans to make hydropower operators hold back more reserves – which would usually be sold on the open market – to help compensate for anticipated shortages in winter.
And on Wednesday, the Swiss government said the country would voluntarily try to reduce its gas usage by 15% this winter, in line with European Union targets. A four-stage plan to deal with a shortage, which could include restrictions on private energy usage, is also being prepared by the Economics Ministry.
More
More
Anxious Swiss invest in private power generators
This content was published on
Gas shortage and power blackouts? Households in Switzerland are upgrading.
Luginbühl told SRF that it was still too early to say whether the measures will be enough: in the end, unknown factors are in play, including the availability of gas imports, the situation regarding nuclear reactors in neighbouring France, and the severity of the winter.
As for claims that the situation was exacerbated by Swiss energy policy in recent years – notably the goal of phasing out nuclear power – Luginbühl said this wasn’t the case.
“The situation is clearly linked to the war in Ukraine,” he said. All of Europe is in the same situation: “no country is spared”.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Energy minister defends strategy amid fears of blackouts
This content was published on
Swiss Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga has said that a range of options are being explored to ward off power outages this winter.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.