Switzerland has achieved an exceptional milestone in its electricity sector, with more than 95% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources over the past year, spanning from June 2025 to May 2026. Hydropower is the backbone of this achievement, supplying slightly over half of the country's electricity. Nuclear power also provides a significant contribution, almost a quarter of the total electricity generated. Solar energy accounts for a notable share, at almost 13%, while biofuels add about 3% to the low-carbon mix. Impressively, Switzerland relies very little on fossil fuels, with these sources comprising only about 2% of the total electricity consumption. Additionally, net imports contribute a small fraction, ensuring the balance of supply and demand. To build on this success and transition other sectors like transport, heating, and industry to electricity, Switzerland must further expand its electricity generation capacity.

Is Electricity Growing in Switzerland?

While Switzerland has established a green electricity sector, its per-person electricity consumption is not growing. The latest data indicates that electricity consumption per person in 2026 was 7,520 kWh, a decrease of about 2,500 kWh from the peak in 2001, which was just above 10,000 kWh per person. This stagnation is disappointing considering the rising importance of electrical power to drive new technologies and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also seen a decline, standing at 7,181 kWh currently, lower by nearly 2,500 kWh from its peak in 2001. These declines underscore the importance of reversing this trend to fulfill increasing future electricity demands driven by electrify sectors and fostering sustainable growth.

Suggestions

To effectively increase low-carbon electricity generation, Switzerland should focus on expanding existing nuclear and solar energy capacities. Both sources already provide substantial amounts of clean electricity, making them optimal candidates for investment and development. With technological advancements and public policy support, scaling up nuclear and solar power could efficiently address electricity shortages and ensure a stable, clean supply to meet future demands. Embracing these low-carbon technologies would not only reinforce electricity availability but also position Switzerland as a global leader in sustainable energy practices.

History

Historically, Switzerland's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, mainly due to changes in hydro and nuclear output. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydroelectricity saw significant declines, with years like 1984 and 1989 marking decreases of around 5 and 6 TWh respectively. However, these challenges were often balanced with additions like a spike of over 6 TWh in 1999. Nuclear energy has also had its ups and downs; the mid-2000s saw increases, but the 2010s experienced variability, notably positive gains in 2006 and 2018, and an unfortunate decrease in 2021. More recently, in 2025, hydro experiences a considerable reduction of nearly 11 TWh, and nuclear saw a decline as well. These fluctuations highlight the necessity for a consistent growth strategy centered on nuclear and solar energy, ensuring a reliable, low-carbon supply for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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