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 Year
Production
Demand
Production
2025
Total generation 70 TWh
2050
Total generation 88 TWh
Demand
2025
Total demand 63 TWh
2050
Total demand 78 TWh
2050 Year
Transition Year
The energy mix as we transition to 2050
Demand
PV
Wind
Hydro
Biomass
Geothermal
Nuclear
Fossil
2025Year
TWh
Demand
62.7
Generation
70.1
Deficit
--
Import
--
Import
--
Import atget exceeded
--
Generation
70.1
Storage reserve used
--
PV
6.4
PV Roof
6.4
PV Alpine
--
PV Ground
--
Wind
0.2
Hydro
36.5
Run-of-River
18.4
Storage
18
Biomass
2.2
Biomass
2.2
CCS Biomass
--
Gas
--
Market-Gas
--
Reserve gas power plants
--
Geothermal
--
Nuclear
23
Nuclear
23
New nuclear
--
Fossil
1.8
Existing fossil fuel power plants
1.8
CCS Fossil Fuels
--
Hard coal
--
Challenges
Import target exceeded
The energy law sets a non-binding 5 TWh import target, which will be exceeded in 2029 - 2050.
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
Costs
Total Costs, Revenues and Subsidies in CHF until 2050.
Total production costs
225billion
Accumulated until 2050
Revenues
196billion
Assuming an average power price of 75 CHF/MWn
Subsidies required
26billion
Remaining costs not covered by revenues
Average cost
8billion / year
The annual average of the total cost, 8 bn CHF per year, is less than 1% of the (estimated) Swiss GDP in 2024 (825 bn. CHF).
Levelized cost
We use Levelized costs of electricity (LCOE). Future costs may rise as cheaper plants are replaced. High demand and costly technologies like rooftop PV can further increase costs. See Expert Mode for details on technology costs.
2020s
2030s
2040s
Levelized cost (LCOE) ⌀ CHF/MWh
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.
Want to know more about this scenario?
Explore detailed energy data, customize generation parameters, and create your own energy
scenario with the expert mode
We’re excited to be taking Power Switcher in a new direction and would love your feedback! Let us know what’s working and where we can improve, every suggestion helps us make the tool better for you.