What are Switzerland's new energy regulations?

Switzerland is expanding rules for rooftop solar, energy storage, and energy communities to expand self-consumption and ease pressure on the grid. The new regulations, set to take effect in 2026, introduce updated tariffs, encourage battery storage, and allow local electricity trading.

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.

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 Swiss Federal Act on a secure electricity supply?

The Swiss Federal Council has adopted a second set of ordinances to implement the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources. The new regulations, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, cover energy communities and minimum remuneration.

How will new solar regulations affect Switzerland's electricity grid?

“The new regulations encourage the temporary storage of solar production peaks, which helps relieve the electricity grids,” said Swissolar. Switzerland installed approximately 1.78 GW of new PV capacity in 2024, according to provisional figures from Swissolar.

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.