The National wants to give a boost to renewable energies (symbolic image). KEYSTONE/GIAN EHRENZELLER sda-ats
This content was published on March 13, 2023 – 21:47
minutes
(Keystone-ATS)
Renewable energies must be developed rapidly. The National took a first series of measures on Monday, sometimes encroaching on the protection of nature, during its debate on energy reform. 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 (Center / FR). “We have no other solution than to develop indigenous renewable energies.” And Jacques Bourgeois (PLR / FR) added: “We no longer have time to procrastinate.”
Priority facilities
According to the senators, the deputies have 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 in 2035 thanks to renewable energies – hydraulic energy not included -, 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.
Several measures have been decided to achieve these objectives. Now of national interest, large hydraulic, photovoltaic and wind power plants, as well as large pumped storage power stations, can be built more easily. Their establishment will partly take precedence over the protection of nature or the landscape.
If renewable energy development targets are not met, smaller and less important facilities will get the same privileges.
“This would contradict the consensus reached during the round table on hydraulics”, criticized Delphine Klopfenstein Broggini (Vert-es / GE). And to point out the inconsistency in designating fifteen priority projects and then giving the government the possibility of ignoring this selection. It has not been extended.
Protected biotopes and reserves
The deputies, however, were a little more restrictive than the senators. No question of authorizing new installations in biotopes of national importance or waterfowl and migratory bird reserves, with the exception of new proglacial margins and alpine alluvial plains.
On the other hand, no protection, replacement or reconstitution measures will be required if the object is registered in an inventory provided for by the law on the protection of nature and landscape. The bourgeois camp succeeded, by 97 votes against 92 and three abstentions, to strike out this requirement, proposed by the commission.
Suspended residual flows
The bourgeois camp has also 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’s 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. The measure is also unconstitutional.
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.
Contributions and market bonuses
Hydroelectric, wind, photovoltaic, biogas or geothermal installations will also benefit from investment contributions, as adopted in October 2021 as part of a transition solution. Unlike the Council of States, the National also refuses to grant such contributions to pumped storage power stations.
The electricity injected into the network will also have to be remunerated by a floating market premium. These promotion measures will be financed by means of the supplement of 2.3 centimes per kilowatt hour, collected on the network. They are therefore borne by all electricity consumers.
For lack of time, the debates were interrupted. They will resume Tuesday morning.