The Ministry of Energy envisions an ambitious solar expansion, winter imports, and a few other renewable sources
Solar, hydro and imports
The BFE scenario covers rising demand with solar, hydro and imports
Imports increase
In spite of solar and hydro build-out import dependency will increase
Solar build-out, accelerating 2040
Solar build-out with focus on roof-top, limited addition of alpine PV
7.5% increase in hydro
Hydro production is increased by 7.5% until 2050
Decomissioning end 2043
Nuclear plants are run close to 60 years, 2043 is last productive year of Leibstadt plant
Energy Mix
Production
Demand
Production
2024
Total generation 70 TWh
2050
Total generation 88 TWh
Demand
2024
Total demand 62 TWh
2050
Total demand 78 TWh
The assumed electricity production and demand in 2050
Transition
The energy mix as we transition to 2050
Demand
Import
PV
Wind
Hydro
Biomass
Geothermal
Nuclear
Fossil
Challenges
High Import Dependency
Rising import needs after nuclear decomissioning require neighbor surplus and EU agreement
Public opinion
Public opinion needs to accept more hydro plants and higher dams
High summer surplus
Summer surplus rises from 9 to 18 TWh in 2050. Unclear how much of it can be exported.
Additional costs possible
If summer surplus cannot be exported, the costs per MWh would rise
About the scenario developer
BFE
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE) is responsible for shaping Switzerland's energy policy. Its Energy Perspectives 2050+ scenario outlines possible paths to a sustainable energy future, focusing on reducing fossil fuel use and increasing renewable energy production to meet climate goals.
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