A large proportion of the energy used globally comes from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal. There are two downsides to this: these energy resources are finite and their use releases emissions which harm the environment. If the world community wishes to effectively counteract further climate change, the search for alternative energy sources must be intensified. Ways have to be found to produce energy from regenerative sources effectively and efficiently and then transport it to consumers.

Electricity can be generated from renewable resources, for instance by power plants that use wind, solar or geothermal energy or hydropower. Switzerland in particular is considered the hydroelectricity centre of Europe thanks to the very high proportion of electricity it generates from renewable sources.

Increasing the integration of electricity from renewable sources presents new challenges for the entire European transmission system. Expansion has become unavoidable. In order to achieve the ambitious climate targets, remote wind farms and solar installations in the North Sea or Africa have to be connected to the grid. In addition, Europe-wide «electricity superhighways» are required so that the electricity generated there can be transported over long distances with minimal losses.

Swissgrid is doing its bit to help achieve Swiss and European climate targets – by renewing and expanding the Swiss electricity grid.