Switzerland has made an outstanding achievement in its transition towards clean electricity, with over 97% of its electricity coming from low-carbon and sustainable sources. More than half of its electricity is generated through hydropower alone, while nuclear energy contributes almost a third of the total electricity supply. Additionally, solar power provides a significant share, contributing to around 7.5% of the electricity mix. Less than 3% of electricity is sourced from fossil fuels, highlighting Switzerland's commitment to reducing emissions and protecting the climate. The country is also a key player in helping its neighbors reduce their carbon footprints through significant net exports of electricity. As Switzerland looks to the future, electrification of transport, heating, and industry will be critical areas for expansion, necessitating a substantial increase in clean electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Switzerland?
Despite these impressive numbers, total electricity consumption in Switzerland has decreased compared to the historic peak. In 2024, the electricity consumption per person was 8,803 kWh, down from a record high of 10,024 kWh per person in 2001. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person also experienced a reduction, from 9,647 kWh in 2001 to 8,602 kWh in 2024. This decline is concerning, especially as we aim to electrify more sectors to combat climate change and replace environmentally harmful fossil fuels. The need for increased capacity in clean electricity generation is apparent to support the anticipated rise in demand brought by electrification and technological advancements like AI.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Switzerland should focus on expanding its existing nuclear power capacity, which has proven to be a dependable and large-scale supplier of clean electricity. Alongside nuclear, solar energy offers another promising avenue for growth, capable of being deployed rapidly and effectively. Investing in these trusted and proven low-carbon options can ensure that Switzerland meets its future electricity needs while maintaining its leadership in sustainable energy generation. Continued expansion of these sources can further drive the nation's transition towards an electrified and sustainable future, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a healthier planet.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Switzerland reflects both ups and downs. In the mid-1980s, nuclear power experienced a notable increase with a 4.1 TWh gain in 1985, while hydropower saw declines through 1984 and 1989. The late 1990s brought mixed performances for hydropower with declines in the mid-1990s followed by significant gains at the turn of the century, notably increasing by 6.4 TWh in 1999. The early 2000s witnessed consistent, modest growth in both nuclear and hydropower capacities. Notably, nuclear generation increased by 4.5 TWh in 2006, reflecting investment in low-carbon infrastructure. In recent years, 2022 saw a remarkable resurgence in nuclear power with a 4.8 TWh increase, while 2023 and 2024 were marked by substantial growth in hydropower, with increases of 7.3 TWh and 7.5 TWh respectively. Despite these moments of growth, it is crucial to remain vigilant and committed to expanding low-carbon electricity sources to address the pressing climate and energy challenges.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.