Switzerland recently approved a new law focused on accelerating the development of renewable energies in the country as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Swiss government aims to increase the current minimal contribution of wind and solar power to Switzerland’s energy mix through this legislation.
The law, which received significant support from Swiss voters, emphasizes the importance of ensuring a secure electricity supply based on renewable energies. This move comes after Switzerland was criticized for not doing enough to combat climate change. The approval of the renewables law is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening the security of energy supply in Switzerland, especially during the winter season.
The legislation includes provisions for installing wind turbines, solar panels on building roofs and facades, and expanding hydroelectric projects to reduce the country’s dependence on imported electricity. While most environmental organizations, including Greenpeace and WWF, support the law, there are critics who fear that it may lead to the rapid expansion of large-scale energy projects, potentially impacting Switzerland’s natural landscapes.
Switzerland’s largest party, the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), opposed the law due to concerns about the impact on civil nuclear power, which has been a significant source of energy production in the country. Despite opposition, the Swiss government remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through the promotion of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
