Security of supply takes centre stage: domestic production and nuclear energy are gaining in importance

Security of supply remains the top priority for Swiss voters when it comes to energy policy. 45 per cent consider it more important than climate-neutral energy production or low electricity prices. At the same time, 58 per cent now fear that the current course of energy policy could lead to problems with the electricity supply in ten years’ time.

The assessment of Swiss energy policy is also more critical than it was last year. Although a narrow majority still agrees with the current course, approval has fallen to 52 per cent. Scepticism is growing particularly markedly among supporters of the FDP and SVP.

Nevertheless, fundamental support for the energy transition remains stable. 80 per cent continue to view the promotion of renewable energies as a practical form of climate protection. At the same time, however, doubts are growing that renewable energies alone can meet future electricity demand. 64 per cent share this view.

Measures to boost domestic power production continue to enjoy particularly high levels of support. Energy efficiency (89%), hydropower (85%) and solar panels on buildings and facades (82%) continue to command clear majority support.

There is also a growing willingness to accept conflicting priorities to a greater extent. 68 per cent support restrictions on appeals against energy projects so that they can be implemented more quickly. Similarly, a majority supports the expansion of renewable energies even if this requires compromises on landscape conservation or changes to approval procedures.

When it comes to specific locations, large solar installations on existing infrastructure enjoy particularly high levels of acceptance. 94 per cent support installations on, for example, motorways or dam walls. New reservoirs in former glacier areas and wind turbines near residential areas are also accepted by a majority.

The increased openness towards nuclear energy is particularly striking. 79 per cent are in favour of continuing to operate existing nuclear power stations, provided they are safe. At the same time, for the first time, clear majorities also support new next-generation nuclear power stations (59%).

Support for the construction of current types of nuclear power stations is also growing, reaching 48 per cent. Support for nuclear energy is growing significantly, particularly in German-speaking Switzerland.

At the same time, there is increasing agreement with the statement that solar and wind power cannot sufficiently guarantee the electricity supply and that nuclear power plants are therefore necessary (55%). Nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a pragmatic complement to the energy transition and less as a fundamental alternative to renewable energies.

The shift in perceptions regarding energy security is also evident in the so-called ‘Blackout Initiative’. If a vote were held today, 55 per cent of eligible voters would support it. The link between energy security, economic stability and technological openness is particularly compelling.

70 per cent believe that all climate-friendly technologies, including nuclear energy, should be utilised and discussed. At the same time, the initiative is interpreted differently depending on one’s political stance. Whilst it is strongly associated with energy security in the centre-right camp, its classification on the left of centre is less clear-cut.

The indirect counter-proposal to the initiative, on the other hand, polarises opinion more strongly along traditional left-right lines. The explicit focus on lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants reinforces traditional lines of conflict in energy policy and leads to clearer divisions.

Despite a slight dip in support compared with last year, 66 per cent of eligible voters still back an electricity agreement with the EU. The most important argument remains security of supply. 71 per cent believe that the agreement safeguards necessary electricity imports during the winter.

However, many of the agreement’s specific implications are viewed with ambivalence. There is a high degree of uncertainty in public opinion, particularly regarding electricity prices, national sovereignty and the impact on renewable energy.

The differences lie less in traditional energy policy conflicts and more in the question of to what extent Switzerland should secure its security of supply in future through European cooperation.

The results are based on a representative survey of 1,015 eligible voters in Switzerland. The survey was conducted between 23 March and 15 April 2026. A mixed-mode approach was used, comprising telephone interviews (CATI) and online surveys via the gfs.bern ‘Polittrends’ panel. The sample was weighted according to age, gender, language, education, type of settlement and party affiliation. The statistical margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level.