immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Windenergie

  • Investment secures funding for a major wind energy project

    Investment secures funding for a major wind energy project

    aventron AG has acquired a significant stake in the Sur Grati wind farm in the canton of Vaud, according to a press release. The wind farm is operated by the project company VOé éole SA. In addition to aventron, the energy supplier SIE SA, based in Crissier (VD), and the Vaud municipalities of Premier, Vallorbe and Vaulion also hold stakes in the company.

    Aventron’s entry finalised the shareholder structure and the financing of the project company. This followed a positive ruling by the Federal Supreme Court in May 2025 regarding the wind farm’s building permits; the wind farm is scheduled to come online at the end of 2027.

    VOé, which has been developing the project for several years, is a regionally based energy supplier and is contributing its local networks. Aventron brings experience in the construction and operation of wind farms in several European countries. “Together, we are realising one of the largest wind energy projects in Switzerland. In doing so, we are supporting the federal government’s energy strategy and strengthening security of supply, particularly in winter,” said Eric Wagner, CEO of Aventron.

    The wind farm is located on the Jura mountain range in northern Vaud and is currently under construction. Six wind turbines with a total capacity of 25.2 megawatts are planned. The facility is expected to produce around 45 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, which corresponds to the demand of approximately 11,000 households. Once completed, Sur Grati is set to be the second-largest wind farm in Switzerland.

  • Wind and solar power ensure a stable electricity supply in the regional energy system

    Wind and solar power ensure a stable electricity supply in the regional energy system

    According to a statement from the operator BKW, the Swiss Energypark in the supply area of the Société des Forces électriques de La Goule generated a total of 134.45 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2025. This represents 81 per cent of the region’s total consumption of 166.96 gigawatt-hours. In the previous year, the Energypark had generated 139.6 gigawatt hours.

    Wind energy once again contributed the largest share to electricity production, with a total of 86.50 gigawatt hours. The Juvent wind farm alone generated 72.6 gigawatt hours. Although this is less than the 91.1 gigawatt hours of the strong previous year due to low wind speeds, wind energy remains a reliable source of electricity, particularly during the winter months.

    The La Goule hydroelectric power station supplied 16.29 gigawatt hours, its worst result in decades. In the previous year, the figure had been 17.6 gigawatt hours.

    Solar energy, by contrast, grew significantly. In 2025, it supplied a total of 31.66 gigawatt hours, accounting for 24 per cent of total production. In the poor year of 2024, the figure had been just 13.6 gigawatt hours.

    The Swiss Energypark covers an area of 251 square kilometres between the cantons of Bern and Jura. 21,000 people live here.

  • Long-term supply agreement strengthens global wind energy industry

    Long-term supply agreement strengthens global wind energy industry

    Gurit Holding AG has signed a long-term supply agreement with one of the “world’s leading manufacturers of wind turbines,” according to a press release. The agreement has a term of five years and is expected to increase Gurit’s net sales by around CHF 250 million, depending on customer demand.

    The contract provides for ongoing deliveries of base material with Gurit OptiCore technology and includes volume commitments for onshore and offshore platforms in several regions worldwide. According to the press release, the agreement strengthens Gurit’s global leadership position in core technical solutions for wind energy and at the same time further advances the customer’s goals in terms of reducing the weight of its rotor blades. This will enable the customer to achieve improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership.

    “This significant new long-term contract underscores our strong global market position and the lasting partnerships we have built with strategic customers,” said Tobias Lühring, CEO of the Gurit Group. “It reflects the confidence in Gurit’s innovative solutions and our ability to create long-term value. With our global presence, we serve customers in all key markets while optimising our capacities and efficiency. We are proud to support the renewable energy industry and contribute to its continued growth.”

    Gurit Holding AG, based in Wattwil, specialises in the development and manufacture of high-performance composite materials, tooling solutions and core kitting services (customised material preparation). The product portfolio includes structural core materials, profiles, prepregs (semi-finished products), resins, adhesives and engineering services.

  • Feasibility study for regional wind farm launched

    Feasibility study for regional wind farm launched

    Energy producer Axpo is examining the feasibility of a wind farm together with the two local communities of Rüthi and Sennwald and the political municipality of Rüthi. According to a press release, three wind turbines are planned in Rüthi, one in Altstätten SG and three in Sennwald. Together, they could generate around 54 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, even in winter. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of 11,500 households.

    Axpo informed the population in Rüthi on 25 August and in Sennwald on 26 August. Experts from the canton and Axpo answered citizens’ questions. The Axpo wind mobile was also on site to explain the technology and show a 3D visualisation of the potential wind farm.

    The press release quotes the mayor of Rüthi, Irene Schocher, who welcomes the transparent clarification of the wind potential and the early involvement of the local population: “A sound basis for decision-making is essential in order to realistically assess the potential of a wind farm in our region.” The local community of Sennwald is in favour of the project, according to its president Daniel Berger. It sees “the planned wind farm as an opportunity to strengthen the regional energy supply and make an active contribution to the energy transition.”

    A wind measuring mast will be erected in October 2025 to collect data on wind and bat activity for over a year. The economic viability of the project will then be assessed and a decision made on further planning. If it is realised, the local communities and the local population can participate in a project company.

  • Where electricity will come from in 2050

    Where electricity will come from in 2050

    For Switzerland to become CO₂-neutral by 2050, transport, heat supply and industry must be largely electrified. Today’s electricity demand of 56 terawatt hours will increase to around 75 TWh by 2050. At the same time, 23 TWh will come from nuclear energy. The necessary reorganisation of the energy system is far-reaching in technical, economic and social terms.

    Massive expansion of renewable energy
    According to the EDGE report, around 60 % of electricity must be covered by new renewable energies by 2050, specifically 45 TWh per year. This would be possible with 28 TWh from photovoltaics, 13 TWh from wind power and 4 TWh from biomass. To achieve this, photovoltaic capacity would have to be quadrupled to 26.8 GW. Wind power would need to be expanded 80-fold to 8.4 GW, especially for winter operation. According to the researchers, this is hardly realisable without strong subsidies.

    Limiting electricity imports makes the system more expensive
    The new Electricity Act limits net electricity imports in winter to 5 TWh. In order to meet this target, an additional 80 % more wind power, 11 % more gas capacity and 10 % more solar capacity would be required. This would increase electricity generation costs by 20 % and electricity prices could more than double.

    Europe remains decisive
    If European electricity trading were to be severely restricted, e.g. through a 70 % reduction in cross-border grid capacities, Switzerland would have to expand wind power by a further 20 %. Supply costs would rise by an additional 8 %. A survey by the EDGE consortium shows the conflicting priorities. 60 % of the population would like to cooperate with Europe, while at the same time 70 % want energy independence and favour domestic energy sources.

    Investments flow abroad
    Another study shows that more than half of the annual investments made by Swiss energy suppliers in large-scale renewable energy projects are channelled mainly to Germany, France and Italy. Only 1 % of these funds are invested in Switzerland. There is a lack of suitable projects or framework conditions in Switzerland. This means that Switzerland is often financing the energy transition indirectly, but not at home.

    Net zero has its price
    The cost of living could rise between 2020 and 2050, for example due to CO₂ taxes, emissions trading or higher production costs. The annual consumption loss of a household could be 0.63-0.75 %, depending on the global climate protection pathway. Without offsetting options abroad, the costs could rise to up to 1%. In the long term, however, this would be more favourable than the consequences of unchecked climate change.

    The energy transition is feasible and challenging
    A CO₂-neutral electricity supply by 2050 is technically possible if photovoltaics and wind power are massively expanded, imports are used intelligently and investments are channelled in a targeted manner. Access to the European electricity market remains crucial. At the same time, we need broad social support and an understanding that inaction will be more expensive than a bold transformation.

  • Switzerland is one of the laggards in wind and solar power

    Switzerland is one of the laggards in wind and solar power

    In a new study by the Swiss Energy Foundation (SES), Switzerland ranks at the bottom of the league table for electricity production from solar and wind energy. It produces 681 kilowatt hours of solar power per capita and 19 kilowatt hours of wind power. In total, the country produces 700 kilowatt hours per capita from solar and wind energy, putting it in 22nd place out of 28 EU member states.

    Sweden is the leader in wind power production with 3930 kilowatt hours per capita, followed by Denmark with 3448 kilowatt hours. Even neighbouring Austria comes in at 1004 kilowatt hours. In terms of solar production per capita, the Netherlands leads with 1206 kilowatt hours per capita, followed by Spain and Cyprus. However, even Austria has 941 kilowatt hours and Germany 888 kilowatt hours.

    Switzerland was able to increase its production of electricity from wind and solar from 7.2 per cent to 11 per cent within five years. However, other countries in Europe often achieved higher increases of up to 20 percentage points in the same period. In a European comparison, only Malta, Slovenia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Latvia and, bringing up the rear, Slovakia are behind Switzerland in the production of electricity from wind and solar per capita.

    In the view of the SES, wind energy in particular must be expanded in Switzerland, according to a press release. A total of 11 per cent of domestic electricity consumption is generated by wind and solar, 7.2 percentage points more than five years ago. European neighbours

    The new Electricity Act shows that the Swiss population wants to intensify sustainable electricity production in the future. Political instruments for implementing the law are already active or will be from 2026. Their impact will become apparent in the coming years, according to the SES.

    The exchange of electricity with neighbours also holds great potential for Switzerland. Switzerland is already integrated into the European electricity grid with over 40 cross-border transmission grids. European electricity trading is central to Switzerland’s ability to obtain winter electricity from its European neighbours’ wind turbines, according to the press release. The planned EU electricity agreement forms the basis for increased electricity trading.

  • Field test started for vertical wind turbine in Brütten

    Field test started for vertical wind turbine in Brütten

    According to a press release,Agile Wind Power has been testing a scaled-down version of its vertical wind turbine in Brütten since the end of October. The company, based in Dübendorf ZH, wants to use it to test the control technology in the field. The tests in the wind tunnel yielded positive results.

    The test facility represents a milestone for the company. “This is an important step for confidence in the development of the turbine,” says Laurenz Zellweger, responsible for communications at Agile Wind Power. The rotors of a full-size test turbine in Grevenbroich, Germany, were cracked and then broke off, according to Zellweger the result of resonances in the rotor.

    The rotors of the Agile Wind Power turbine rotate around the mast instead of around a scar at the top of the mast, as is the case with conventional wind turbines. With a tower height of 133 meters in the A40 version and a rotor length of 65 meters, the diameter of the turbine is still only 40 meters.

    Agile Wind Power calls its innovative design Vertical Sky. It is intended to reduce the noise level of the turbine, simplify the logistics of installation and maintenance and reduce operating costs. In addition, locations that were previously unsuitable for wind power could be used.

    The field test in Brütten is expected to last around a year.

  • New wind turbine planned for Flumserberg

    New wind turbine planned for Flumserberg

    Axpo, headquartered in Baden, is starting initial investigations into a possible wind farm on the Flumserberg in the canton of St. Gallen. It could comprise up to six wind turbines. According to a press release, the energy company will install a wind measuring mast this week. This will be used to collect wind and bat data over the course of a year.

    The data collected will serve as the basis for the next project steps and detailed planning. The local community of Flums-Dorf and the Alpkorporation Mols have given their consent for the erection of the wind measuring mast. The 120 metre high mast will be erected on the Grappenchöpf site, a location that Axpo believes offers promising wind potential.

    The electricity produced from the wind farm would be equivalent to the consumption of over 10,000 households. According to the information provided, it could fill the winter gap, as two thirds of electricity production takes place in winter. As Axpo goes on to explain, a wind farm on the Flumserberg would not only help to reduce CO2 emissions and utilise a sustainable, renewable energy source, but would also provide an economic boost for the region.

  • Five cantons take up the cudgels for wind energy

    Five cantons take up the cudgels for wind energy

    Government representatives from the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Innerrhoden, St.Gallen, Thurgau and Zurich have taken up the cudgels for wind energy at a joint media conference in Winterthur. It should “become a mainstay of our future supply of domestic energy – especially to cover the winter electricity gap”, according to a corresponding press release from the canton of Zurich on the conference. To this end, the five neighboring cantons want to create a “new pioneering spirit”.

    At the media conference, the responsible members of the government presented the respective approaches of their cantons. Dölf Biasotto from the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden spoke about the impact of wind turbines on the landscape. In the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, the construction of wind turbines is to be accompanied by further development of the landscape. In the canton of Zurich, the planning requirements for the use of wind energy are currently being created.

    In their contributions, the representatives of the cantons of St.Gallen and Thurgau emphasized the importance of cooperation with the affected population. In the canton of St.Gallen, the special utilization plan stipulates that all affected municipalities and their inhabitants can have a say in the approval process. In the canton of Thurgau, a legal basis for local participation has been prepared. In an ongoing project in Thundorf TG, the electorate will decide on the construction of a wind farm on November 24.

  • Implenia acquires stake in Norwegian wind power producer

    Implenia acquires stake in Norwegian wind power producer

    Construction and real estate company Implenia has signed an investment and shareholder agreement with wind power producer WindWorks Jelsa, based in Jelsa in Norway. Implenia and NorSea each hold a 41 per cent stake in WindWorks Jelsa as minority shareholders, according to a media release.

    The aim of the agreement is to develop a state-of-the-art facility for the production and assembly of large concrete and steel structures for floating wind turbines in the lakeside village of Jelsa. In addition to a production and assembly area of 800,000 square metres, warehouses, workshops and specially developed launching facilities and heavy-duty quays are to be built by 2032. Implenia is to contribute its experience in site design and planning, strategy and market development.

    For Norway, wind energy generated on the high seas is of great importance as a future source of energy and as an export commodity. Wind power is also “expected to become the most important form of energy” throughout Europe. WindWorks Jelsa wants to build floating wind turbines with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt per year. This capacity can cover the annual electricity consumption of up to 4 million households.

    With its commitment, Implenia aims to become a major player in this fast-growing market. “Floating offshore wind farms are an interesting new area in which Implenia can profitably apply its many years of experience and extensive expertise,” Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia, is quoted as saying in the media release. Implenia has committed to making two small investment tranches in 2023 and 2024.

  • Zurich Wind – Zurich cooperation for the use of Zurich wind energy

    Zurich Wind – Zurich cooperation for the use of Zurich wind energy

    With its Energy Strategy and Energy Planning 2022, the Zurich cantonal government has defined the direction of travel in the canton of Zurich: away from imported, fossil fuels towards renewable, domestic energy. EKZ, ewz and Stadtwerk Winterthur therefore intend to jointly implement wind projects at the sites defined by the Canton of Zurich and specified in the Cantonal Structure Plan. The governments of the cities of Zurich and Winterthur have approved a corresponding cooperation agreement. Michael Baumer, Zurich City Councillor: “With EKZ, ewz and Stadtwerk Winterthur, three strong partners have joined forces to further expand local energy production and supply the population in the city and canton of Zurich with even more renewable energy.” Winterthur city councillor Stefan Fritschi adds: “With wind projects in the canton of Zurich, we are jointly making a valuable contribution to renewable electricity production and to our climate and energy policy goals.” Zurich Wind, the Zurich cooperation for the use of Zurich wind energy, is intended to ensure the development, but also the financing, construction and operation of wind power plants in the canton of Zurich. Wind projects are not welcomed everywhere by the population. According to Urs Rengel, CEO EKZ, the partners are aware of this: “Zürich Wind relies on dialogue and will only realise wind projects with the support of the local population.” With Zürich Wind, the three partners want to send a clear signal for a renewable power supply in the canton of Zurich.

    On 7 October 2022, the canton of Zurich presented its plans for the evaluation of wind energy areas in the cantonal structure plan. Wind power plants are also to contribute to the future supply of electricity with renewable energies in the canton of Zurich. Security of supply is becoming increasingly important and solutions must be found in particular to meet the demand for electricity in winter. Wind turbines are particularly suitable for contributing to security of supply, as electricity production is mainly in winter due to wind conditions, when production from photovoltaic plants is low due to a lack of optimal solar radiation in the midlands.

    Wind potential in the Canton of Zurich
    On behalf of the federal government, the Canton of Zurich’s Department of Construction prepared a basic report on wind energy regarding the situation in the Canton of Zurich and published it last autumn. The report shows that it is also possible to use wind energy in the canton of Zurich. Around 50 areas are defined as potential areas. Whether the realisation of wind power plants is feasible in these areas and whether the wind yield is economical has to be clarified in specific projects. The canton’s goal is to complete the guideline planning with the determination of locations by the end of 2025.

    Source www.ewz.ch

  • Use of stationary hydrogen fuel cells to support the energy transition

    Use of stationary hydrogen fuel cells to support the energy transition

    Hydropower, photovoltaics and wind power are the mainstays of a renewable and ecologically sustainable energy infrastructure in Switzerland. However, the increased integration of solar energy and wind power into the electricity grid poses certain risks, as these energy sources are volatile in nature and thus pose a potential threat to the grid balance.

    The use of hydrogen offers a way to compensate for such energy fluctuations. Surplus, unpredictable solar and wind energy is not fed directly into the grid, but used to produce hydrogen by means of electrolysis. In times of energy shortage, for example caused by no wind and very cloudy weather in winter, the stored hydrogen can be used as an energy source.

    Since 2020, the Hälg Group has been working on the topic of “stationary hydrogen fuel cells in buildings”. In this context, a project team of three partner companies was formed: Osterwalder AG in St. Gallen is responsible for the production of green hydrogen through hydropower and its transport, H2Energy acts as a technology and production partner in the field of fuel cells, while the Hälg Group, as a provider of integral building technology and energy systems, is responsible for the planning, implementation and support of the entire building technology building. The vision of this project team is to create ideal energy networks in which environmentally friendly hydrogen as an energy storage medium fills the gaps left by other renewable energies.

    Stationary hydrogen fuel cell: a promising approach for a green energy economy
    The basis of the hydrogen fuel cell system has existed for almost two centuries. The increased use of hydrogen as an energy medium and substitute for fossil energy sources has led to significant further development of fuel cell technology in the recent past. The production method of hydrogen is essential for the ecological compatibility of this process. So-called “grey” hydrogen is produced by decomposing fossil fuels. Green” hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced by electrolysis of water using environmentally friendly energy sources such as hydropower, solar energy and wind power.

    By using only “green” hydrogen in the project group’s ecosystem, the stationary fuel cell generates electricity and heat in an environmentally friendly way. Hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel cell. By applying electrical voltage between an anode and a cathode, the two elements react and combine to form water vapour. In the course of this, electrical energy and heat are also generated, which can be used directly to supply buildings and areas. The water produced in the process is reused.

    The hydrogen fuel cell is characterised by its environmental friendliness precisely because no pollutant emissions are produced or released in the course of the chemical reaction. Only pure, low-energy and harmless water vapour escapes as “waste gas”. Consequently, the function of the hydrogen fuel cell is considered to be completely emission-free.

    Advantages of the hydrogen fuel cell building technology solution

    • Maximises the value of the property and increases its attractiveness
    • Enhances the reputation of the facility owner and makes a progressive responsible statement on environmental protection, climate change and green transformation.
    • Emergency power supply in the building: partial or full self-sufficiency possible
    • Reduction of power and connection costs
    • Low maintenance costs due to non-moving parts
    • Modular design: from 80 kWel / 78 kWth, scalable as required.
    • Reduction of winter electricity demand, grid load, winter electricity gaps
    • Assistance in decarbonisation, environmental protection and reduction of greenhouse gases
    • Peak shaving of the electrical grid

    Ideal energy network
    It is important that energy producers and consumers have access to a wide range of environmentally friendly technologies. In addition to hydrogen fuel cells, these include heat pumps, chillers, solar thermal, wind energy and photovoltaics, as well as battery short-term storage and bidirectional e-vehicles. Further information at https://haelg.ch/stationaere-wasserstoff-brennstoffzelle/

  • Armasuisse builds alpine small wind solar plant in Surselva

    Armasuisse builds alpine small wind solar plant in Surselva

    Armasuisse Immobilien, part of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport(DDPS), is testing with partners from Swiss industry and research how wind and sun can be used in the Alpine region to generate electricity locally. According to a media release, the construction permit for a test facility at the La Stadera site in the Surselva region in the canton of Graubünden has been granted. Construction work will begin in August and the test plant is scheduled to go into operation in autumn 2024.

    The plant combines the generation of electricity through the use of wind energy and the use of solar radiation through photovoltaics. The test facility consists of a small wind turbine and bifacial (double-sided) photovoltaic modules that will be combined. The project was approved as part of the military plan approval procedure, the Federal Council‘s statement said. The wind turbine will be installed from August 2023. The photovoltaic modules arranged around the wind turbine will follow by autumn 2024 and complete the test facility.

    By the end of 2025, the test facility should provide data so that the efficiency of the new type of construction can be estimated more precisely. The expected energy yield is around 60 megawatt hours per year. According to the statement, this corresponds to the electricity consumption of around 15 Swiss households. The evaluation of the data by the end of 2025 will form the basis for the decision on whether to implement a final expansion with a total of nine small wind solar plants at the site.

    A solar prototype already installed in La Stadera by the Swiss system supplier Turn2Sun from La Sagne NE has already been successfully supplying electricity since winter. The solar prototype is also equipped with double-sided photovoltaic modules.

  • Compulsory solar on buildings rejected by Energy Commission

    Compulsory solar on buildings rejected by Energy Commission

    In intensive discussions, the Energy Commission of the Council of States dealt with the differences regarding the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply with Renewable Energies (21.047). It introduced new proposals on numerous points in order to find an appropriate balance between protection and use interests and thus create a broadly supported bill. By 8 votes to 5, the Commission proposes the deletion of the article on the suspension of residual flow regulations for existing hydropower plants, as decided by the National Council. It emphasises that the proposed provision is constitutionally questionable. Moreover, there would be enough time to find a balanced solution to the problem of impending production losses at existing hydropower plants. A minority would like to follow the National Council’s lead, since without the full preservation of existing electricity production from hydropower, the targeted expansion of renewable energies could not be achieved.

    The Commission is also in favour of identifying suitable areas for the use of solar and wind energy in the cantonal structure plans. Conservation interests should also be taken into account in this planning. In the defined areas, the need for facilities for the use of renewable energies should be identified and the facilities should be site-specific. In addition, they are to take precedence over other national interests in a balancing of interests. The condition for this is that the installations are not realised in inventory objects according to Art. 5 NHG. In addition, the “Chlus” project should benefit from the same facilitations as the 15 selected projects for storage hydropower. A minority rejects this amendment.

    NATIONAL INTEREST IN FACILITIES FOR THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERG IES
    The Commission also dealt with the framework conditions for facilities for the use of renewable energies in the national interest. As decided by the National Council, these should continue to be excluded in biotopes of national importance as well as in waterbird and migratory bird reserves, but in newly emerging glacier forelands and alpine alluvial plains they should in principle be eligible. This exclusion should not apply to hydropower plants that serve ecological restoration. In addition, it should now be possible for the residual flow to run through these protected areas during the construction of hydropower plants; a minority wants to adhere to the National Council’s decision here. By 9 votes to 3, the Commission would like to maintain that electrolysers and methanisation plants above a certain size and importance should also be considered of national interest in terms of nature and cultural heritage protection (NHG).

    COMPULSORYUSE OF SOLAR ENERGY
    The Commission rejects the National Council’s decision to make solarenergy compulsory for all new buildings as well as significant conversion and renovation projects as too strong an encroachment on private property and the sovereignty of the cantons. Instead, it proposes by 6 votes to 4 with 2 abstentions that the mandatory use of solar energy on buildings with an area of 300 m2 or more, as decided by the “Federal Act on Urgent Measures for the Short-Term Provision of a Secure Electricity Supply in Winter” (21.501, draft 4), be transferred into the applicable law for an unlimited period. A minority calls for a solar obligation in accordance with the National Council, but this should only apply to new buildings and roof renovations. In addition, the Commission supports, by 7 votes to 3, an obligation to roof vehicle parking spaces of a certain size with solar elements. This obligation should apply immediately to new parking spaces of 250 m2 or more, and to existing parking spaces of 500 m2 or more with a transitional period of 5 years. A minority wants to abolish this obligation completely; according to another minority, it should only apply to new parking spaces from 500 m2 and to existing parking spaces from 1000 m2.

    In the area of the promotion of renewable energies, the Commission proposes that the Federal Council be given the authority to set minimum remuneration for the return to the grid operator for installations up to 150 kW. This should also create investment security for smaller and thus more expensive plants. In return, the transitional provisions with fixed remuneration adopted by the National Council are to be deleted, as they place too great a burden on grid operators and tied electricity consumers. In addition, the UREK-S would like to retain the creation of a special incentive for winter electricity production within the framework of the sliding market premium. If the reference market price for electricity in the winter months exceeds the guaranteed remuneration, the plant operator should receive a share of between 10 and 40 % of the surplus, to be determined by the Federal Council.

    CREATION OF A MARKET FOR EFFICIENCY SERVICES
    The Commission supports the programme for the creation of a market for efficiency services adopted by the National Council by 6 votes to 5 with one abstention. This programme stipulates that the energy supply companies (EVU) must prove annually that they have provided a certain amount of measures to increase electricity efficiency for end consumers or that they have commissioned these measures from third parties, so-called efficiency service providers. Whether the target is met or not is not measured by the electricity sales of the energy supply company: the efficiency services represent a new, independent business field. The measures are also not limited to the grid area of the respective utility. This means that the most favourable measures can be taken first throughout Switzerland. A minority rejects this efficiency programme, pointing to the enforcement effort, conflicting goals of the RUs and the existing measures to increase efficiency.

    On the question of the energy reserve pursuant to Art. 8a StromVG, the Commission basically follows the decision of the National Council. Operators of storage hydropower plants should be able to be obliged to set up a reserve. However, certain framework conditions are to be changed; for example, the obligation should only be possible for operators of plants with a capacity of 10 GWh or more. In addition, the compensation for the water held in reserve should also take into account the current market situation.

    FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS FOR THE ELECTRICITY NETWORKS OF THE FUTURE
    By 11 votes to 1 with 1 abstention, the Commission is in favour of all grid reinforcements necessary for the feed-in of renewable energy being passed on to electricity consumers throughout Switzerland on a solidarity basis. For expansions at the lowest grid level, a lump sum should be paid to the grid operator without requiring approval from Elcom. Like the National Council, the Commission also proposes that the costs for the reinforcement of certain connection lines be allocated for at the national level. Lines between the boundary of the property on which a renewable energy production facility is located and the grid connection point are to benefit from this support.

    In the area of the basic supply of electricity (Art. 6 StromVG), the Commission proposes to retain the current law and thus the average price method. The amendment adopted by the National Council was not convincing. However, the Commission supports the introduction of a standard electricity product, which should be based in particular on renewable domestic energy.

    The Commission proposes to refrain from opening the market in the area of metering and thus adheres to the decision of the Council of States. However, the data collected by the grid operators should be better available. Furthermore, it follows the decision of the National Council, according to which storage facilities with end consumption should also be relieved of the grid usage fee: It should be possible to reimburse the grid fee for the electricity fed back into the grid. A minority proposes to adhere to the decisions of the Council of States. Furthermore, the use of flexibility in electricity consumption should only be possible with the express consent of the owner.

    In view of the complex differences regarding the overcoat decree (21.047), the Commission was unable to conclude the detailed discussion on the CO2 Act (22.061) in time for it to be dealt with in the summer session. It will bring this bill into the autumn session.

    The Commission met in Bern on 11/12 May 2023 under the chairmanship of Councillor of States Adèle Thorens Goumaz (G, VD) and partly in the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti.

  • Study sees significantly higher potential for wind energy

    Study sees significantly higher potential for wind energy

    Switzerland could generate significantly more electricity from wind energy than previously assumed. According to a study by the Bern-based company Meteotest on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy ( SFOE ), wind turbines could produce 19 terawatt hours in the winter months alone, according to a press release from the SFOE. In a previous study from 2012, the scientists had assumed 3.7 terawatt hours per year. For comparison: Switzerland consumed a total of 58.11 terawatt hours of electricity in 2021.

    With 17.5 terawatt hours, most of the potential lies in the Central Plateau. In the Jura arc and in the large Alpine valleys together, more than 7.8 terawatt hours could be produced per year, in the Alpine region over 4.2 terawatt hours.

    Both political conditions and technology have evolved since the last study. Today's wind turbines are taller, have larger rotors and produce much more than older systems. In addition, more areas such as forests and areas in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments ( BLN ) are eligible "with the recognition of national interest for wind farms". However, they are subject to higher demands on wind energy production.

    "Even a partial expansion of 30 percent of the total wind energy potential – which corresponds to around 1000 wind turbines – could make a significant contribution to a more secure electricity supply in Switzerland and to reducing dependence on foreign countries," says the press release.

    Inhabited areas with a buffer of 300 meters, protected landscapes such as moors, national parks and biotopes as well as secret facilities of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport were excluded from the calculation.

  • Federal Council wants to accelerate procedures for renewables

    Federal Council wants to accelerate procedures for renewables

    Switzerland is lagging behind in the expansion of wind energy. The procedures for the construction of large hydroelectric power plants also take a long time. The Federal Council now wants to speed up the planning and approval procedures for large plants, it writes in a statement . No compromises should be made when it comes to protecting nature, the environment and monuments.

    The Federal Council wants to develop a concept with the locations of the most important hydropower and wind turbines. This should serve as a guideline for cantonal structural planning. The systems listed there should then only be subject to a cantonal planning approval procedure. This should be able to issue all permits. Thus, in the event of an objection, only one appeal through the instances should be possible.

    In addition, the Federal Council wants to accelerate the installation of photovoltaics on roofs and facades. Investments in new buildings should also be tax deductible. The approval of solar systems on facades is to be regulated via a notification procedure.

    The Swiss Energy Foundation welcomes the initiative of the Federal Council. “Switzerland needs a booster for renewable energies,” said Managing Director Nils Epprecht in a statement . “The Federal Council has recognized the urgency. In doing so, he does not question the two political cornerstones of Switzerland, the balancing of interests and federalism.”

    The consultation on the Federal Council’s proposal lasts until May 23, 2022.

  • LafargeHolcim strengthens the cycle in the wind industry

    LafargeHolcim strengthens the cycle in the wind industry

    The Zug-based building materials group LafargeHolcim and the Paris-based General Electric subsidiary GE Renewable Energy are teaming up. According to a press release, together they want to find new ways of recycling materials from dismantled wind turbines. The rotor blades are also to become part of a circular economy, among other things as material for the construction of new wind farms.

    Both want to develop closed loop solutions especially for the European market. The background to this is that wind turbines that are aging there by 2025 with a cumulative output of almost 10 gigawatts will be repowered, i.e. replaced with more powerful ones of the latest generation or shut down.

    "With sustainability at the heart of our strategy, the acceleration of renewable energies and the circular economy are top priorities for our company," said Edelio Bermejo, head of the Global Innovation Center at LafargeHolcim. “I am very happy about this collaboration with GE Renewable Energy because it fulfills both goals.” According to the CEO of his partner, Jérôme Pécresse, this collaboration “will make a significant contribution to increasing the sustainability of wind energy today and in the future ".

    Both companies have been working together since 2020. Together with the Danish company Cobod , they are developing record-high towers for wind turbines using concrete 3D printing. These towers are "more robust, more efficient and will be manufactured ten times faster than before," says the press release. According to its own information, LafargeHolcim recycled 46 million tons of material last year. By 2030 it should be 100 million tons.

  • Repower is investing in German wind farms with partners

    Repower is investing in German wind farms with partners

    At the beginning of the year, Repower expanded its portfolio of wind turbines in Germany, the Graubünden energy supplier informed in apress release . Specifically, Repower has taken over the Berlar wind farm in North Rhine-Westphalia. The plant with five turbines and a total output of 7.5 megawatts is expected to produce around 14.4 gigawatt hours of electricity annually. The notification does not provide any information about the purchase price.

    According to the announcement, the Graubünden energy supplier already operates a number of wind farms in Italy and Germany. The new acquisition is to be integrated into the German Repartner Wind GmbH. The company is wholly owned by Bündner Repartner Produktions AG , which is 51 percent majority owned by Repower. The trucks hold the largest minority share with 10.39 percent.

    Via Repartner Produktions AG, Repower wants to offer its shareholders “access to diversified, renewable electricity production”, according to the announcement. In addition to Repower and LKW, other Swiss energy companies are involved in Repartner Produktions AG, including Eniva, WWZ and the electricity works of the Canton of Zurich (EKZ).

    “This stake is an absolute gain for LKW,” said Gerald Marxer, CEO of LKW, in a separate announcement from LKW on the takeover of the wind farm. "On the one hand, we can increase our own production and, on the other hand, we are investing in renewable production technologies in accordance with our strategy."

  • ewz should produce more renewable electricity

    ewz should produce more renewable electricity

    According to a press release , the city council of Zurich has applied for a third credit line of 200 million francs for the ewz. These funds are to flow into energy production facilities that produce electricity from renewable sources. The voters of the City of Zurich will ultimately decide whether this application will be approved.

    As stated in the communication, since 2007 voters have approved three credit lines for investments in the production of wind energy and other renewable sources. In total, the amount was 420 million francs. With this, ewz acquired 18 wind farms in Germany, France, Sweden and Norway through the wholly-owned subsidiary of the city of Zurich, ewz (Deutschland) GmbH. This means that the ewz now has around one terawatt hour of electricity from wind. This corresponds to the current ewz share from the electricity production of the Gösgen nuclear power plant.

    With the 200 million francs that have now been applied for, the ewz wants to expand primarily wind turbines and hydropower plants in Switzerland and other European countries. The ewz is aiming again to invest a third of the credit line in systems in Switzerland.

    The ewz Germany group is responsible for all purchases and financing abroad. The city of Zurich describes it as one of its most important holdings. The city council therefore requests the municipal council to create a legal basis for ewz (Deutschland) GmbH in a separate submission.

  • The population of Freiburg wants wind farms

    The population of Freiburg wants wind farms

    The population of Freiburg is behind the cantonal wind power projects. This is shown by a survey that MIS Trend carried out on behalf of Groupe E in September. According to a statement from the cantonal energy supplier, 72 percent are in favor of building wind farms in the canton. 65 percent also have no concerns about the installation of the systems.

    Groupe E wants to set up wind farms at four locations. These locations are entered in the canton's structure plan, which has already been approved by the federal government. The four wind farms should allow an additional electricity production of 156 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. Two thirds of electricity production should occur in winter, when photovoltaics are less productive. Compensation measures for the benefit of biodiversity are planned for the projects.

  • Federal government specifies requirements for wind energy

    Federal government specifies requirements for wind energy

    "Since 2018, the Energy and Spatial Planning Act explicitly oblige the cantons to define areas in their structure plans that are suitable for the use of wind energy," the Federal Council explains in a press release . At its meeting on September 25th, it approved the necessary adjustments to the wind energy concept. All planning and project sponsors must orient themselves to this concept.

    In the wind energy concept, usage and protection interests are weighed up against each other. From this consideration, the federal government derives areas that it believes are suitable for the use of wind energy. The interests of the federal government in nature and landscape protection areas as well as military and civil technical systems of the federal government must be taken into account by the cantons when designating areas for the use of wind energy. The adapted concept stipulates that under certain conditions wind turbines can be erected in landscapes of national importance. In biotopes of national importance, however, the construction of wind turbines is excluded.

    The cantons continue to have the authority to determine the specific areas that come into question for the use of wind energy. In the structure plans already approved by the federal government for the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Bern, Freiburg, Neuchâtel, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, St.Gallen, Waadt and Wallis, more than 50 such areas have already been defined. In addition, the communication points to a number of wind energy projects that are already well advanced in the planning stage.

  • Agile Wind Power completes unique wind turbine

    Agile Wind Power completes unique wind turbine

    Dübendorfer Agile Wind Power AG has completed the construction of the first Vertical Sky wind turbine on the wind test field in Grevenbroich near Düsseldorf. Vertical Sky is the first wind turbine in the megawatt class with vertically mounted rotor blades. According to a press release, it is quiet, efficient and "unique in the world".

    In the coming weeks, the plant will gradually go into trial operation. During this time, various measurements that are required for certification are carried out. At the same time, electricity is produced. Vertical Sky wind turbines are environmentally friendly and can be installed in locations that are not suitable for conventional systems, such as close to residential areas, according to Agile Wind Power. Therefore, the tower is suitable for decentralized electricity production. In addition, birds and bats would recognize the vertically aligned rotor blades and not fall victim to them.

    The first product type has a nominal output of 750 kilowatts and is 105 meters high. Its rotor diameter is 32 meters. It is characterized by simple logistics concepts. "We are oriented towards the market and want to contribute to ensuring a safe and reliable supply of clean energy in the near future, regardless of finite energy sources", says the founder and CEO, Patrick Richter.

    The vertical sky rotor is going into series production on the former airport site in Lemwerder near Bremen. Access to international ports is an advantage of the location, according to the announcement. However, the Agile Wind Power research and development team will remain in Dübendorf.