Switzerland is a shining example of clean electricity adoption, with more than 97% of its electricity stemming from low-carbon sources. Hydropower leads the way, generating over half of the country's electricity, followed by nuclear power, which contributes a little more than a quarter. Solar power also plays a significant role, providing over a tenth of the electricity needed. In stark contrast, the country's dependency on fossil fuels is minimal, accounting for just over 2.5% of its electricity generation. Given this impressive foundation of low-carbon electricity, Switzerland now faces the challenge of increasing electricity supply to electrify other crucial sectors like transport, heating, and industry, which will necessitate a substantial surge in electricity production.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Switzerland?
Despite the high proportion of low-carbon electricity, Switzerland's overall electricity consumption has seen a decline compared to historical levels. In 2025, the country's electricity consumption was around 7873 kWh per person, which is noticeably lower than the peak of 10024 kWh per person recorded in 2001. This decrease of over 2,000 kWh per person highlights a trend that is even more pronounced in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which fell by nearly 2,000 kWh per person compared to 2001. While the reduction in electricity consumption can be seen as a push for energy efficiency, such a significant decline presents challenges as the world moves towards more electricity-reliant systems and infrastructure.
Suggestions
To address the ongoing challenge of rising electricity demands, Switzerland can focus on expanding its nuclear and solar energy sectors. As these technologies already contribute substantial portions of the nation's electricity, enhancing their capacity and efficiency can further strengthen Switzerland's position as a leader in low-carbon energy. Investing in nuclear power offers reliability and a more constant energy supply, while solar power can tap into its potential for growth by maximizing sunlight capture. Both initiatives align with the global shift toward greener, more sustainable energy sources and will be vital for meeting the anticipated surge in electricity demand as electrification proceeds across various sectors.
History
Switzerland's history of electricity generation illustrates a series of ups and downs, particularly within the low-carbon category. In the mid-1980s to late 1990s, hydropower experienced fluctuations with significant declines like those in 1984 and 1996, offset by strong recoveries in years such as 1997 and 1999. The early 2000s saw a boost in hydropower, peaking in 2001, yet again encountered setbacks by 2002. The nuclear sector has seen periods of growth, notably in 1985, 2006, and 2018, which were unfortunately offset by declines, such as in 2015 and 2021. Yet, these declines call for a strategic focus on bolstering nuclear production to withstand future challenges. Recent increases in hydropower in 2023 and 2024 highlight the potential of robust infrastructure and natural resources. However, the significant drop in hydropower in 2025 underlines the need for diversified and resilient energy strategies. Increasing investment in nuclear and optimizing solar energy capture will be crucial to stabilize and grow Switzerland's clean electricity output.
