Switzerland already gets about 95.5% of its electricity from low-carbon sources—a major achievement. Over the last 12 months, from June 2025 through May 2026, hydropower supplied more than half of its electricity, at about 55%, nuclear contributed almost a quarter, solar around 13%, and biofuels roughly 3%. Fossil sources accounted for only about 2%, while net imports supplied another 2.6%; the data does not specify the imports’ generation mix. The next challenge is to electrify transport, heating and industry, which will require much more clean electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in Switzerland?

Switzerland’s electricity consumption per person is substantially below its historical peak, rather than showing growth against that benchmark. The latest 2026 figure is about 7,520 kWh per person, compared with the 2001 record of roughly 10,020 kWh—a decline of about 2,500 kWh, or a quarter. Low-carbon electricity generation per person is also down: about 7,180 kWh today versus approximately 9,650 kWh in 2001, a drop of around 2,470 kWh, or 26%. These comparisons do not establish the latest year-on-year trend, but the shortfall from past records is concerning given the additional electricity needed for electrification and growing digital and AI demand.

Suggestions

Switzerland can increase low-carbon electricity generation by expanding nuclear and solar, both of which already make substantial contributions to its electricity supply. Maintaining and upgrading existing nuclear capacity, alongside considering additional reactors, would strengthen its clean electricity foundation. Accelerating solar installations on rooftops, commercial buildings and other suitable sites would add another major source of green electricity. Grid expansion, storage and flexible electricity use can help integrate this additional generation and support a more electrified economy.

History

Switzerland’s low-carbon electricity history shows substantial gains alongside sharp setbacks. In the 1980s, hydropower fell by about 5 TWh in 1984 and 6 TWh in 1989, while nuclear rose by 4 TWh in 1985. Hydropower declined again in 1995–1996 before rebounding strongly in 1997 and 1999; gains in 2001 were followed by a nearly 6 TWh fall in 2002. Nuclear added about 4.5 TWh in 2006, and hydropower gained 6 TWh in 2012. The nuclear generation losses of roughly 4.5 TWh in both 2015 and 2021 were deeply disappointing setbacks for clean electricity supply, although strong rebounds followed in 2018 and 2022. Hydropower fell 6 TWh in 2022, then gained more than 7 TWh in each of 2023 and 2024. The combined 2025 declines—nearly 11 TWh from hydropower and 4.6 TWh from nuclear—were particularly concerning, underscoring the importance of preserving and expanding Switzerland’s low-carbon electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.