The National calls for accelerating the use of renewables
After the Upper House, the Lower House entered into the matter on Monday on the major energy reform in Switzerland.
The project wants to accelerate the production of indigenous renewable energy, including hydro, solar and wind.
KEYSTONE/Gian Ehrenzeller
Renewable energies must be developed rapidly. After the Council of States, the National on Monday set more ambitious objectives in its debate on energy reform. However, the review of the project is not complete.
The need to develop renewable energies was not disputed. “Seeing the green slopes of our mountains and the lack of water, we cannot deny the need to get out of fossil dependence,” noted Chrsitine Bulliard-Marbach (Centre / FR).
“We have no other solution than to develop indigenous renewable energies. The time factor is crucial,” she continued. And Jacques Bourgeois (PLR / FR) added: “We no longer have time to procrastinate.”
Limited imports
According to the senators, the deputies even tacitly decided to set more ambitious objectives than those proposed by the Federal Council. At least 35 TWh of electricity will have to be produced thanks to renewable energies – hydraulic energy not included – in 2035, and 45 TWh in 2050. The government had set the bar at 17 TWh and 39 TWh.
The requirements for hydropower are set at a net generation of 37.9 TWh and 39.2 TWh. The UDC and the Center pushed to raise the bar to 38.3 TWh, respectively 39.6 TWh. Without success.
The net quantity of electricity imported in winter must also not exceed 20% of the average final electricity consumption over three years. The left and part of the PLR tried to strike out this requirement, while part of the bourgeois camp would have preferred to stick to the version of the Council of States and place the limit at 5TWh. Neither of the two proposals passed.
Suspended residual flows
The bourgeois camp, on the other hand, succeeded in suspending the residual flows in the rivers during renovations or the renewal of the concessions of hydraulic power stations to avoid a loss of electricity production. The objectives set could thus be achieved, pleaded Nicolo Paganini (Center / SG). “Otherwise they will remain a pure utopia.”
Nadine Masshardt (PS / BE) called for not crossing this red line. “It is an unnecessary encroachment on water protection and biodiversity.” And to remember that residual flows are not only useful for fish, but also for human beings, who see their drinking water diminish.
A postulate has been submitted on the question, recalled the Minister of the Environment Albert Rösti. Any changes concerning the residual flows must be studied within this framework. “It’s not a good idea to derail the whole project on this point,” noted Roger Nordmann (PS / VD) for the commission, fearing a referendum. It was not heard by 95 votes against 94 and one abstention. The debates continue.
ATS
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