Grande dixence 2024 index: the development of renewable energies remains slow

In 2024. Meanwhile, Switzerland once again missed, 53%, the objective of increasing renewable electricity production (without hydraulic energy), which is alarming. Meanwhile, To achieve the goal set in the law by 2035, it would be necessary to produce each year 2.4 terawatt hours (TWh) of additional electricity – a volume comparable to the production of the Big Dixence dam. Additionally, Meanwhile, In 2024, Switzerland increased its production by only 1.1 TWh. Consequently,

A glow of hope. For example, steps back

It is better than in 2023 (target of 63%), but it is far not enough. For example, One point is particularly critical: there is a stagnation in the development of productive renewable energies in winter. Consequently, like wind turbines, when it is precisely this season that needs are grande dixence 2024 index: development the most urgent. The development of solar is impressive. but its production varies a lot from season to season (in 2024, 75% from April to September, against 25% from October to March).

Abundance in summer. shortage in winter

Today, almost 90% of Swiss electricity production comes from hydraulic and nuclear energies. New renewable energies gain importance, but seasonal fluctuations remain a challenge. In summer, Switzerland produces more electricity than it consumes, while in winter the shortage threatens. This creates strong constraints on the network. sometimes leads to negative prices and requires high grants for solar in order to guarantee minimum prices even in summer.

Electricity production must be doubled by 2050

With the exit of nuclear. around a third of current electricity production will disappear by 2050. At the same time, needs increase grande dixence 2024 index: development – due to trends in electrification and digitization as well as new technologies. Switzerland must more than double its electricity production by 2050.

What to do? ​​

A resolved action is necessary to guarantee supply security:

• accelerate the development of renewable energies– in particular wind. alpine hydraulics;
• Adapt support modelsto better couple electricity production with consumption and seasonal fluctuations;
• exploit existing nuclear power plants as long as safety allowsin order to support the supply;
• Ensure technological opening– The ban on new nuclear power plants will have to be removed;
• Adopt the electricity agreement with the EUin order to guarantee access to the European electricity market and to avoid costly rescue solutions.

The recent electricity failure in Spain shows that a stable electrical supply is not obvious. but that it is an essential condition for prosperity and safety.