2023-09-26 12:21:27
The major energy reform is complete. The development of indigenous renewable energies will be strengthened and the supply of electricity, particularly in winter, ensured. Le National joined the Council of States on Tuesday on the final points of the project.
The extensive reform serves to implement the Confederation’s Energy Strategy 2050. The aim is to increase electricity production in the long term. The balance between this objective and those of protecting nature and biodiversity was at the heart of discussions throughout the debates.
Some hailed the importance of the project, emphasizing that it was the result of compromises to move forward: “great progress”, “strong signal”, “objectives achieved”. Energy Minister Albert Rösti has repeatedly said that the priority is to avoid an electricity shortage.
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Production goals
Parliament has set more ambitious objectives than the Federal Council. At least 35 TWh of electricity must be produced in 2035 using renewable energies – not including hydro -, and 45 TWh in 2050. The government had set the bar at 17 TWh and 39 TWh. The requirements for hydropower are set at 37.9 TWh and 39.2 TWh.
In order to ensure winter supply, production must be increased by at least 6TWh – and not only by 2TWh as proposed by the government – by 2040. Concretely, large hydraulic, photovoltaic, wind and pumping installations -turbine can be more easily built. Now of national interest, their establishment will take precedence over the protection of nature or the landscape.
If the objectives are not met, smaller installations will obtain the same privileges. On the other hand, there will be no new installations in biotopes of national importance or waterfowl and migratory bird reserves, with the exception of new proglacial margins and alpine alluvial plains.
The objectives can be achieved thanks to sixteen hydroelectric power stations, including eight in Valais, which will benefit from accelerated procedures. They take into account the net zero emissions objective by 2050.
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Solar panels and residual flow rates
Concerning solar energy on the roofs, the photovoltaic panels on the car parks have divided the Rooms all the way. The National finally tacitly folded on Tuesday. There will be no obligation to install such signs on new car parks of more than 500 m2 with roofs from 2030. The obligation will also not apply to existing car parks of more than 1000 m2.
Without being formally opposed, Delphine Klopfenstein Broggini (Vert-es/GE) regretted that no further steps had been taken. The Federal Council will propose an alternative leaving room for maneuver for the cantons, noted Martin Baümle (PVL/ZH), welcoming that the objective of completing the vast project this fall has been achieved.
It will be simpler and quicker to establish in an ordinance the construction of shade structures on car parks via calls for tender and single payments, added Roger Nordmann (PS/VD) for the commission. In the same area, the Chambers have already agreed on an obligation for buildings with a surface area greater than 300 m2.
In terms of hydraulic energy, they also agreed on the residual flow rates in rivers for dams. The Federal Council may temporarily relax the requirements if a shortage threatens. This compromise makes it possible to avoid a referendum, a threat brandished by environmentalists.
No market liberalization
The electricity injected into the network must be remunerated by a floating market premium. These promotional measures will be financed by means of the supplement of 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour, collected on the network. They are therefore supported by all consumers.
The Federal Council also wanted a completely open electricity market, in order to integrate renewable energy. Parliament gave up on it. The managers of a distribution network retain their monopoly.
On the other hand, local electrical communities might emerge. They allow end consumers, producers of electricity from renewable energies and storage operators to group together and freely manage the electricity supply within them, using the distribution network.
Energy supply
The reform contains a range of other measures. A strategic energy reserve will also be set up.
The Confederation will also have a role as a model. The roofs and facades of its infrastructures must be equipped with photovoltaic panels or solar thermal installations. The federal administration must reduce its consumption by 53% by 2040 compared to the year 2000.
>> Read also: Electricity production: Berne launches call for tenders for reserve power plants following 2026
The deputies joined the senators on Tuesday on a series of final technical points. In the area of energy efficiency, for example, electricity suppliers will have to achieve targets in this area. No sanctions are planned in the event that the objectives are not achieved.
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