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The dreaded scenario of a power shortage did not materialize this winter. And this year, solar systems will also become reliable suppliers of electricity in winter.
Thank good luck for the weather. “The temperatures in winter were relatively high. This means that gas and electricity consumption was also comparatively low,” explains Urs Meister, managing director of the Electricity Commission (Elcom), which monitors Switzerland’s electricity supply. In addition, Switzerland’s lucky weather gave it a wet winter with lots of rain and snow. Accordingly, the energy companies were able to produce a lot of electricity with their hydroelectric power plants.
Legend: Solar power systems like the ones here at the VBZ Hardau garage in Zurich are becoming increasingly important. Keystone/Archive/GAETAN BALLY
The situation this winter was therefore extremely positive, says the Elcom boss: “We were even able to export electricity for longer periods of time.” This fact is notable because Switzerland usually imports electricity from France or Germany in winter. The long-term average is around 4 terawatt hours (TWh).
It also helped that most of the French nuclear power plants are back online. Unlike in autumn and winter 2022/2023, when around half of the systems were shut down due to unscheduled inspections. This is also why the feared scenario of a shortage did not occur.
No power shortage situation
In Switzerland, there has never been a shortage of electricity, even in the second winter since the outbreak of the Ukrainian war. Nevertheless, Switzerland has since been preparing more intensively to avert possible electricity shortages in winter, for example by using water reserves or reserve power plants that run on gas or oil. At the same time, large solar systems are being planned in the Alps and a debate about new nuclear power plants has flared up again.
Solar power is also important in winter
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A development is often overlooked that is taking place in a very concrete way – and is now also significant in winter: the increase in solar systems. In 2023, new systems with an output of 1.5 gigawatts were installed on single-family homes and industrial buildings. A new record. This means that “half” a Mühleberg nuclear power plant is added every year, as Wieland Hintz, solar expert at the Federal Office of Energy (BfE), explains.
This is considerable, even compared to the average electricity imports in winter of 4 TWh: “The solar systems will produce around 2 TWh next winter. Compared to imports, solar systems make substantial contributions.” It is already apparent that the expansion of solar energy is progressing quickly.
The BfE and the solar industry are expecting new systems with a total output of 1.8 to 2 GW this year. Urs Meister from Elcom is also clear: “If this development continues for a few years, then it will be a noticeable amount that will contribute to security of supply.”
Solar power influences daily electricity production
The increasing amount of solar power is already influencing electricity companies today. Especially in summer, when there is a lot of solar energy during the day. The energy companies now reduce their production during the midday hours, but the turbines run at full speed in the morning and evening when the sun rises or sets.
This effect is increasingly becoming apparent seasonally: “In October and November the sun still shines relatively much compared to midwinter. “That’s exactly when the hydroelectric power plants would have to run less,” as Wieland Hintz puts it. In theory, water could be saved for the dark winter months.
Effective situation much more complex
However, the calculation is not that simple: the energy companies not only have an eye on supplying Switzerland, but also their own business. «Swiss hydropower also produces for abroad. If the prices are attractive, production and export take place.” The effective situation is therefore much more complex, the solar expert continues. Conversely, the close ties with other countries also benefit Switzerland.
Ultimately, however, solar power continues to contribute more and more to the electricity supply. And the expansion of solar systems continues, decentralized and without heated controversies like with the large solar systems in the mountains, new wind turbines, reservoirs or even nuclear power plants. In this regard, it remains to be seen which systems will actually be built one day and will help plug any gaps in the winter.