Wind power production in Switzerland could reach 6 TWh/y, local org says

Switzerland could produce 6 TWh of power from wind energy annually by 2030 with at least 4 TWh of the total during the winter months when solar and hydropower output is lower, according to a concept developed by the country's wind energy association Suisse Eole.

The concept consists of three steps. In the first one, projects that have been already planned should be completed which would add about 2 TWh. According to Suisse Eole, the installation of about 300 wind turbines across the country is blocked due to the slow processing of objections and appeals to the courts. The planning and construction of a wind park in Switzerland could take 20 years or even more. Therefore, procedures must be accelerated and simplified, the association said in the plan.

The second step envisages the installation of individual wind turbines initiated by citizens, communities or companies. This should raise the wind power generation by a further 2 TWh per year. The federal law on spatial planning allows the construction of wind turbines under an exception rule when applying for a building permit. This rule is aimed at encouraging people to become prosumers and supports local power generation.

The third step of the Wind Energy Plan 2030 includes the designation of new areas for the deployment of wind turbines. Under the concept, about 2 TWh annually could be produced by wind turbines installed in areas with large infrastructures, such as peripheral areas or areas along motorways, marshalling yards, military zones, sand pits, landfills and industrial areas.

According to the association, wind energy perfectly complements solar and hydropower and has the potential to ensure a stable power supply in the winter when consumption reaches its highest level.

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