Show in expert mode
High electricity demand due to hydrogen production for the seasonal storage of significant solar power generation
sun
Photovoltaics as Main Source
By 2050, photovoltaics will generate 76 TWh of electricity in Switzerland, with 72 GW installed capacity
water
Expansion of Wind and Water
An additional 6 TWh from wind power and 1 TWh from hydropower will enhance energy security
snow_flake
Power-to-Gas for Winter Electricity
Excess solar power from summer will be stored as gas and used for electricity generation in winter
power_coord
Electrification of Transport and Heating
Fossil fuels will be replaced by efficient electric solutions in transport and buildings
Energy Mix
Production
Demand
Production
2024
Total generation 74 TWh
2050
Total generation 129 TWh
Demand
2024
Total demand 61 TWh
2050
Total demand 113 TWh

Pros and Cons
Pros:
    Cons:
      The assumed electricity production and demand in 2050

      Pros:
        Cons:
          Transition
          The energy mix as we transition to 2050
          Demand
          Import
          PV
          Wind
          Hydro
          Biomass
          Gas
          Nuclear
          Fossil
          Challenges
          sun
          Utilizing Photovoltaic Overcapacity
          Up to 10 TWh of solar power might go unused or unexported due to limited storage capacity
          valve
          Efficiency Losses in Power-to-Gas
          The reconversion of gas from excess solar power causes significant energy losses
          wind_turbine
          Wind Power Expansion for Winter Needs
          Despite wind power expansion, meeting winter electricity demand remains a major challenge
          power_coord
          Increased Electricity Demand for Electrification
          Electrifying transport and heating significantly raises electricity demand, requiring efficient solutions
          About the scenario developer
          Roger Nordmann (SP)
          Roger Nordmann (SP)
          Roger Nordmann is a member of the Swiss Social Democratic Party (SP) and a strong advocate for climate action. He is known for pushing progressive energy policies and the expansion of renewable energy in Switzerland. His focus is on reducing emissions while ensuring social fairness in the energy transition.
          Explore other scenarios
          Show all
          Axpo Renewables A balanced build-out of renewables, focusing on solar and wind. Green gas as winter-backup

          Legend

          HydroPVNuclearWindGasBiomassFossilGeothermal Other
          D : Demand • P : Production • Δ : Production Surplus
          Axpo Landscape Ambitious nuclear and rooftop solar expansion to avoid landscape-impacting wind and alpine solar units

          Legend

          HydroPVNuclearWindGasBiomassFossilGeothermal Other
          D : Demand • P : Production • Δ : Production Surplus
          Energy Law ("Mantelerlass") Targets of 35 TWh of renewable energy by 2035 and 45 TWh by 2050, plus 6 TWh of renewable winter electricity, of which 2 TWh hydropower

          Legend

          HydroPVNuclearWindGasBiomassFossilGeothermal Other
          D : Demand • P : Production • Δ : Production Surplus
          Business as usual Without increased investments, winter imports will rise to unsustainable levels, making blackouts likely after the nuclear shutdown

          Legend

          HydroPVNuclearWindGasBiomassFossilGeothermal Other
          D : Demand • P : Production • Δ : Production Surplus
          We want your feedback!
          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.
          Share feedback
          Expert mode
          Make your own scenario, or deep dive into the scenarios

          Explore detailed energy data, customize generation parameters, and create your own energy scenario with the Power Switcher Expert Mode on desktop.

          Methodology reviewed by ETH Zürich