Following the Swiss electorate’s clear «yes» to the Electricity Act on 9 June 2024, the expansion of renewable energies can really start to take off. But for end customers to be able to use this electricity, it has to actually reach them.

Switzerland’s electricity system is in the midst of the greatest upheaval in its successful history. Electricity generation is becoming increasingly volatile due to new decentralised energy sources and power plants, as well as growing electricity generation from renewable energies. This places new demands on the grid and poses a challenge for secure grid operation.

For several years now, a fruitful partnership has been developing between Swissgrid and the start-up Gilytics, a spin-off from the ETH Zurich to meet a major challenge in the Swiss energy sector.

Yesterday evening, Swissgrid and its partners celebrated the end of the rough construction of the new substation in Biasca (TI). In addition to the necessary technical installations, the new building encompasses much more.

The transmission system is a key factor for the successful implementation of the Confederation’s Energy Strategy. Swissgrid is making the transmission system fit for the future to make sure that electricity can continue to flow reliably. Every project carried out as part of strategic grid planning is different, but one thing is essential: the planning must be based on solid clarifications and findings. Depending on the area where a new line is planned, this may involve geological investigations, for example in the form of exploratory boreholes like those drilled on the Glaubenberg.

There are a number of persistent myths about the grid. But are they really true? Fortunately, Swissgrid expert Marc Vogel knows the facts.

Both the energy system and the transmission system are changing. Swissgrid is addressing the increasing complexity by taking strategic measures to modernise the grid and create a digitalised company.

Even grid operators are suffering from a shortage of skilled labour. How serious is the problem? And how can it be solved? We asked two employer branding experts.

More and more solar plants, heat pumps and charging stations are being installed in Switzerland. What does this mean for the distribution grid? We asked two specialists from Energie Thun AG.

The relationship between Switzerland and the EU poses challenges for all Swiss electricity market players. In the summer of 2023, the Federal Council adopted benchmarks for a negotiating mandate with the EU, thereby driving forward the relationship. The decision on the negotiating mandate is now imminent. In an interview, Marc Ritter, CEO of AEW Energie AG, explains the significance of this development and of a potential electricity agreement with the EU for a Swiss power supply company.

Possible power shortages, power system failures, blackouts – these were topics of much discussion last year. Why is the electricity grid reaching its limits and what is Swissgrid doing to counteract this?