11 Mar 2015
Switzerland
Switzerland has the lowest carbon intensity among IEA countries, owing to a carbon-free electricity sector dominated by nuclear and hydro generation. However, following a 2017 referendum where the Swiss voted to gradually phase-out nuclear power, Switzerland’s energy sector is undergoing a considerable transition.
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Filling the gap left by shutting nuclear while maintaining low carbon generation and high standards of supply security will be one of the challenges that Switzerland has to address in its long term energy strategy. The country’s Energy Strategy 2050 maps the way towards a low-carbon economy in which higher energy efficiency and renewable energy sources replace nuclear energy.
In this context, the latest IEA review of Switzerland’s energy policies focuses on two areas that are critical to guiding it towards a more secure and sustainable energy future: the design of the electricity market and the climate policy post-2020. Meeting future energy needs will require opening the Swiss electricity market to full integration with the European electricity market.
The IEA encourages the Swiss government to bring ongoing negotiations with the European Union on an electricity agreement to a successful outcome.
Switzerland’s carbon dioxide levy on stationary fuels and its automatic upward adjustment have proven highly effective in shifting energy demand from oil toward gas and renewable energy sources. However, more needs to be done to limit emissions from transport.
In this context, the latest IEA review of Switzerland’s energy policies focuses on two areas that are critical to guiding it towards a more secure and sustainable energy future: the design of the electricity market and the climate policy post-2020. Meeting future energy needs will require opening the Swiss electricity market to full integration with the European electricity market.
The IEA encourages the Swiss government to bring ongoing negotiations with the European Union on an electricity agreement to a successful outcome.
Switzerland’s carbon dioxide levy on stationary fuels and its automatic upward adjustment have proven highly effective in shifting energy demand from oil toward gas and renewable energy sources. However, more needs to be done to limit emissions from transport.
Last updated May 23, 2023
Key energy statistics
Switzerland data explorer
Analysis
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2018 Review
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Switzerland 2023
Energy Policy Review
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Switzerland Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
Part of Climate Resilience Policy Indicator
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2012 Review
Energy Policy Review
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Oil and Gas Emergency Policy: Switzerland 2012 Update
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2007
Energy Policy Review
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 2003
Energy Policy Review
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Switzerland 1999
Energy Policy Review
Events
18 Mar 2013
Integrating Carbon Pricing with Energy Policies
24 May 2011
The Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Socio-Economic Considerations
24 May 2011
Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: Socio-Economic Considerations
Latest news
Enabling faster rollout of renewables can help Switzerland reach climate and energy goals, new IEA policy review says
http://webstore.iea.org/market-report-series-renewables-2018
IEA launches the Clean Energy Transitions Programme to support clean-energy development
IEA Executive Director meets with President of Switzerland Doris Leuthard
Policies
Policy
Country
Year
Status
Jurisdiction
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Switzerland 2022 In force National
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Switzerland 2021 In force National
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Switzerland 2018 In force National