Define relevant action plans to achieve the Energy Strategy 2050
Develop further a framework linking climate and energy goals to 2050, outlining Switzerland’s pathways to achieving the Energy Strategy 2050.
Switzerland
Switzerland has the lowest carbon intensity among IEA countries, owing to a carbon free electricity sector dominated by nuclear and hydro generation. However, following the 2017 decision of the Swiss people to gradually phase out nuclear power, Switzerland’s energy sector is undergoing a considerable transition.
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Filling the gap left by nuclear power closures while maintaining low carbon generation and high standards of supply security will be one of the challenges that Switzerland has to address in its long term energy strategy. The country’s Energy Strategy 2050 maps the way towards a low-carbon economy in which higher energy efficiency and renewable energy sources replace nuclear energy.
In this context, the latest IEA review of Switzerland’s energy policies focuses on two areas that are critical to guiding it towards a more secure and sustainable energy future: the design of the electricity market and the climate policy for the post-2020 period. The new energy strategy will require opening the Swiss electricity market and full integration into the European electricity market to meet future energy needs. The IEA encourages the Swiss government to bring ongoing negotiations with the European Union on an electricity agreement to a successful outcome.
Switzerland’s carbon dioxide levy on stationary fuels and its automatic upward adjustment have proven highly effective in shifting energy demand from oil, towards gas and renewable energy sources. However, more needs to be done to limit emissions from transport.
In this context, the latest IEA review of Switzerland’s energy policies focuses on two areas that are critical to guiding it towards a more secure and sustainable energy future: the design of the electricity market and the climate policy for the post-2020 period. The new energy strategy will require opening the Swiss electricity market and full integration into the European electricity market to meet future energy needs. The IEA encourages the Swiss government to bring ongoing negotiations with the European Union on an electricity agreement to a successful outcome.
Switzerland’s carbon dioxide levy on stationary fuels and its automatic upward adjustment have proven highly effective in shifting energy demand from oil, towards gas and renewable energy sources. However, more needs to be done to limit emissions from transport.
Last updated Jun 23, 2020
Key energy statistics
Key recommendations, 2018
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Complete revision of Electricity and Gas Supply Laws
Progress in revising the Electricity and Gas Supply Laws to allow Swiss energy markets to open up to meet the country’s future energy needs and climate targets.
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Ensure CO2 Law implementation
Ensure timely entry into force of the revised CO2 Law to support post-2020 climate policy and help Switzerland achieve its binding 2030 climate and indicative 2035 energy goals.
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Develop a long-term strategy for the transportation sector
Develop a long-term strategy to 2050 that contributes to domestic decarbonisation pathways for providing stronger market signals
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Continue efforts to integrate Swiss energy markets with the European Union
Switzerland’s energy markets are closely interconnected with European markets, even though the country is not a member of the European Union. Closer integration of the Swiss electricity and gas markets with the European Union is in the interest of both parties and entails social welfare gains.
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Analysis
Tracking report
Nuclear Power
Tracking progress 2020
Country report
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2018 Review
Country report
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2012 Review
Country report
Oil and Gas Emergency Policy: Switzerland 2012 Update
Country report
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2007 Review
Events
11 Mar 2015
Energy Efficiency Behaviour Workshop
18 Mar 2013
Integrating Carbon Pricing with Energy Policies
24 May 2011
Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Socio-Economic Considerations
24 May 2011
The Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Socio-Economic Considerations
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Switzerland 2018 In Force National