Wind Energy in Switzerland: Potential for Winter Electricity Supply
Discover how wind energy strengthens the Swiss power supply. The Federal Office of Energy provides information on potential, legal foundations, and the current status of wind farm projects in Switzerland.
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Wind energy is an important pillar of Switzerland's future energy strategy.
Wind energy is an ideal supplement to hydropower and solar energy, as two-thirds of it is generated in winter – exactly when electricity demand is at its highest. In Switzerland, there is still great potential in this renewable resource.
Wind Energy as a Pillar of the Energy Strategy 2050
By 2050, wind energy in Switzerland is expected to provide around 4.3 terawatt-hours of electricity annually. The Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is committed to steadily improving the framework conditions for expansion. The focus is on careful planning and the protection of people and the environment.
Planning and Approval of Wind Farms
The construction of wind turbines requires close cooperation between the Confederation, cantons, and municipalities. Important instruments for this include:
- Wind Energy Concept: It shows where suitable areas for wind utilization are located in Switzerland.
- Cantonal Structure Planning: This is where the locations are bindingly defined.
- Weighing of Interests: A central step in which environmental, landscape, and monument protection are weighed against the interest in renewable energies.
Would you like to learn more about the technical aspects or the current federal funding programs? Visit us at Powertage 2026 for a direct exchange.
Support Measures and Grid Connection
To drive expansion forward, the Confederation offers financial support in the form of one-off investment grants. In addition, the integration of wind energy into the Swiss electricity grid is continuously optimized to ensure a secure supply.
