Security of supply in Switzerland: challenges and solutions for a climate-neutral future
Switzerland faces the major challenge of ensuring a secure and climate-neutral energy supply. A recent study by the research institute gfs.bern on behalf of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies (VSE) shows that the majority of the Swiss population continues to support energy policy and the promotion of renewable energies. Nevertheless, questions about security of supply and the costs of the energy transition remain controversial.
Energy Policy 2050 continues to enjoy overwhelming support among the population. However, this support is not unconditional: ensuring security of supply remains the central concern.
The gfs.bern study shows that 57% of Swiss voters agree or strongly agree with the current energy policy. Support is particularly high among supporters of the GLP, the Centre and the Greens, while only supporters of the SVP are predominantly dissatisfied. The stability in approval is a clear indication of the population’s confidence in energy policy.
Security of supply remains the most common priority in the trilemma of electricity production between security of supply, affordable electricity prices and climate-neutral energy production in 2024. However, its importance has declined slightly as climate-neutral energy production and electricity prices become increasingly important. Supporters of the Greens and SP prioritise climate neutrality, while GLP, Mitte and FDP supporters continue to focus on security of supply, and SVP supporters are divided between security of supply and electricity prices.
A narrow majority of voters say they are concerned when they think about future security of supply. This concern is particularly widespread among conservative voters. The study shows that the population believes the state is responsible for ensuring security of supply and that domestic electricity production should be prioritised.
Photovoltaic systems on existing infrastructure and hydropower are uncontroversial, while PV in alpine regions and wind power are gaining acceptance. The continued operation of existing nuclear power plants is uncontroversial, but new plants are polarising.
The survey shows a clear commitment to promoting renewable forms of energy and the energy transition in general. In particular, the expansion of solar installations on infrastructure and hydrogen, as well as the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energies in Switzerland, are considered the most important measures for avoiding electricity shortages. Of the specific locations for electricity production facilities, solar installations on existing infrastructure and on all suitable roofs and facades are completely uncontroversial. Support for installations built more directly in nature has also increased: respondents agree with wind turbines on hills that are visible from their own balconies, and a small majority now also agrees with large solar installations on open meadows in the mountains.
However, the debate about the construction of new nuclear power plants divides the population. Overall, 49% of respondents are open to a renewed discussion, although there is a clear divide along party and age lines. Supporters of the FDP and SVP in particular, as well as older voters, are in favour of the debate, while younger and left-wing voters mostly reject it. It is important to distinguish between different types of power plants here, as the population only considers the construction of next-generation nuclear power plants (Generation 4.0) to be (just) reasonable. Plants such as those being built today, on the other hand, are not considered reasonable by a majority. Nevertheless, a large majority is in favour of maximising the operating life of existing nuclear power plants, even if this requires the use of state funds.
Another controversial issue is the complete liberalisation of the electricity market. A narrow majority of respondents supports this measure, but is likely to remain with their current provider. Support for an electricity agreement with the EU has cooled compared to last year, especially if concessions have to be made.
The results of the third wave of surveys in the 2024 security of supply study series highlight the broad support for the promotion of renewable energies and the energy transition in Switzerland. The majority of the population supports the current energy policy and sees ensuring security of supply as a key task. At the same time, however, there are also clear lines of conflict, particularly in the debate on nuclear power and the costs of the energy transition. The broad support for renewable energies provides a solid foundation on which Switzerland can build its energy policy goals.
The 2024 Energy Security Study is based on a representative survey of 1,004 eligible voters in Switzerland. The data was collected between 5 and 19 March 2024 using computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) and online surveys on an in-house panel. Participants were surveyed using a random digit dialling (RDD)/dual-frame method via landline and mobile phone, as well as randomly invited panellists.
The sample was weighted according to language region, education, age/gender and type of settlement. Content weighting was based on party affiliations. The statistical error is ±3.1 percentage points with a 95 per cent probability.
More information on the study on security of supply can be found in our online cockpit (in German).
All details and results of the study can be found in the final report (in German).
An overview of the methodological details can be found here (in German).
