Does Switzerland support pumped storage operators?

Despite the government’s objectives defined in the Energy Strategy 2050, there is currently no direct support via subsidy for pumped storage operators in Switzerland.

What is the future of electricity storage in Switzerland?

One important pillar of this strategy is the further development of electricity storage capacity in Switzerland. In the next years, three large-scale pumped hydro storage power plants will be connected to the grid. The first, the Limmern pumped storage plant (1 GW), should become operational in 2016.

How does a cost-covering fee affect electricity production in Switzerland?

Further, the introduction of a cost-covering fee for feed-in to the electricity grid, in order to subsidise new renewable energy sources in Switzerland, disadvantaged traditional hydro electricity producers. As a result, high prices during peak load times dropped, which substantially lowered the revenue stream of pumped storage plants.

How many pumped hydro storage plants are there in Switzerland?

In the past, a total of 14, mostly small sized pumped hydro storage plants, were built, the last of which was commissioned in 1990. However, the combined capacity of these plants only amounts to 1380 MW contributing to approximately 4.4% of the total electricity produced in Switzerland.

What role does hydropower play in the Swiss electricity supply?

Hydropower plays an essential role in the Swiss electricity supply. In fact, over half of the country’s electricity is generated by hydropower. Therefore it is not surprising that electricity has been traditionally stored in pumped storage power plants.

What is the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE)?

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (“SFOE”) is the country's competence centre for all issues relating to energy supply and energy use at the DETEC. The SFOE creates the prerequisites for a sufficient, crisis-proof, broad-based, economic and sustainable energy supply.