The Confederation has acquired eight mobile gas turbines in order to strengthen the country’s energy supply. This is the first contract signed under the agreement recently given by the Federal Council to provide reserve power stations.
This measure is in addition to the hydroelectric reserve which can be used in a targeted manner from next winter if necessary, announced Friday the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication (DETEC). .
>> Read also: The Federal Council launches its energy saving campaign for this winter
The eight mobile gas turbines were purchased from GE Gas Power and will be installed at GE’s site in Birr (AG). They run on gas, but also on oil or hydrogen. They will be available from the critical period towards the end of next winter and until the end of 2026.
The total costs over the entire period amount to 470 million francs.
Other negotiations
These are modular turbines with a power of at least 30 megawatts each, making a total of regarding 250 megawatts. This corresponds to approximately two and a half times the power of the Rheinfelden hydroelectric power station.
In addition, negotiations with other potential suppliers of reserve power plants are still in progress.
These reserve power plants will be subject to the emissions trading system. At the same time, clarifications are underway to know which company will be responsible for operating the installation.
Announcement welcomed
State Councilor Olivier Français (PLR/VD) welcomes DETEC’s announcement. “Despite all the allegations that have been made, the Federal Council has worked during the summer. We must recognize what has been done and it is very reassuring for all of us,” he said Friday in Forum.
An opinion shared by National Councilor Roger Nordmann (PS / VD). “This is very good news. These turbines are a non-negligible contribution, which can make the difference for next winter,” he says.
The socialist still calls on the population to follow the recommendations of the Federal Council to save electricity. “It will avoid having to use these turbines too much, which still emit CO2… it’s not an ecological solution. But it is so important to maintain electricity supply that it is a good decision.”
>> The reactions of Olivier Français and Roger Nordmann in Forum:
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