Swissolar calls for rapid solar expansion in Swiss energy strategy

Sep 4, 2013 - Swiss solar sector association Swissolar said on Monday it handed a petition to the government's head of environment and energy, Doris Leuthard, calling for support of rapid solar expansion in the government's revised energy strategy.

The petition gathered 9,612 signatures online under Swissolar's initiative Pro Solar. Its supporters demand solar energy to account for 20% of total energy supply by 2025 instead of by 2050, which is currently planned by the government in the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050. According to the association the delay in the expansion will cost jobs and increase imports of fossil fuels.

Advocates of the oil, nuclear and gas industry will try to limit solar expansion, according to Swissolar. The solar sector is further under threat by the proposal of the Swiss Federal Energy Office for subsidy cuts for PV-installations, the association added.

The petition is part of Swissolar's Solar Wars campaign which is trying to win the support of the public for the solar industry. It was presented at the Locarno film festival with Leuthard portrayed as princess Leia from the Star Wars film, fighting for the solar industry.

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