The encouragement of renewable energies in debate
The Council of States is tackling energy reform on Thursday. Its competent committee revised the government plan, giving priority to the development of renewable energies to the protection of the environment. The left should go up to the barricades.
Environment or energy? The senators will decide on Thursday (symbolic image).
KEYSTONE/JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT
Switzerland depends on foreign countries for gas and fossil fuels. The current energy crisis, stemming from the war in Ukraine, has reminded us of this. The competent committee of the Council of States has therefore decided to work twice as hard to encourage indigenous renewable energies and thus gain independence.
More ambitious goals
It proposes more ambitious objectives than the Federal Council. The annual production of electricity from renewable energies – without hydropower – must reach at least 35 TWh in 2035, and 45 TWh in 2050. The government had set the bar at 17 TWh and 39 TWh. For hydraulic energy, annual production must reach at least 37.9 TWh by the first deadline and 39.2 TWh by the second, slightly more than the Federal Council forecast.
Several minorities have been filed on this central point. The SVP would like to do without fixed targets and stick to the current lower guide values. A minority, made up of elected officials from the Center and the UDC, pleads for the government version. Coming from the centrist ranks, another proposes a compromise between the commission and the Federal Council.
Plants in national biotopes
To facilitate the establishment of facilities producing renewable energy, the commission has also decided to give them priority. Environmental provisions must therefore neither hinder nor prevent their construction, maintenance, expansion or renovation.
Power plants must be able to be built in biotopes of national importance. And the operation of hydroelectric power stations, whose power is greater than 3 MW, must be able to continue more easily until 2035. Proposals that do not please the left.
Solar installations with a power of at least 1 MW should be more easily built outside building zones and on agricultural land, according to the commission. Just like biomass plants and wind turbines.
Reduce consumption
Reinforcement of winter production, reduction of consumption or even financial support mechanisms should also lead to lively debates. Proposals are coming from all sides. Conversely, the abandonment of total liberalization of the electricity market should not make waves.
ATS
You found an error?Please let us know.