Grid development requirements by 2040
To ensure that the transmission grid meets future requirements, Swissgrid has updated its long-term grid plan and identified 31 major grid projects that need to be implemented by 2040. The grid of the future will be powerful, robust and efficient.
The further development of the transmission grid has the following objectives:
- Reduce grid congestion by increasing transfer capacity
- Increase security of supply by ensuring the redundancy of operating facilities
- Improve the controllability of electricity flows by incorporating additional adjustable transformers
- Connect large generators, storage facilities and consumers to the grid
- Bundle grid infrastructure to relieve pressure on scarce space, the landscape and people
The 31 projects include various interrelated measures to modernise the grid infrastructure. As more than two-thirds of the existing grid is more than 60 years old and requires renovation, optimisation measures are planned for 1,300 km of the existing grid. In addition, the existing grid needs to be enhanced over a length of 400 kilometres by increasing its voltage and power. Finally, the grid expansion will comprise of 790 kilometres of new lines and 21 adjustable phase-shifting transformers (PST). The new transformers will be used to improve the controllability of load flows, avoid grid overloads and utilise lines more efficiently. The total length of the Swiss transmission grid will remain the same as today at 6,700 kilometres, as 790 kilometres of old lines will be dismantled. These measures will be supplemented by maintenance work on the remaining existing grid systems, including regular inspections, servicing, revision and repairs.
Swissgrid will invest a total of around CHF 5.5 billion in the transmission grid between 2025 and 2040.
Connecting the transmission grid
Strengthening the north-south axis by expanding the lines between Germany (Tiengen) via Central Switzerland as far as Ticino (Magadino) is of particular importance. Just as important, in terms of security of supply, is the need to establish a stronger connection between the major production and consumer centres. This will partly be achieved by increasing the voltage of the 380-kV Bickigen – Chippis line, which connects the Bern area with the Valais. Expanding the lines between the Valais and Ticino will better connect Ticino to the rest of Switzerland while also strengthening east-west transport capacities.
Measures for the grid of the future in figures:
CHF 5.5 billion
of investments by 2040
21
adjustable transformers
790 km
of grid expansion and
dismantling respectively
dismantling respectively
400 km
of enhancement
of existing lines
of existing lines
1,300 km
of optimisation of
the transmission grid
the transmission grid
The 31 most important grid projects by 2040 at a glance
Grid expansion must be accelerated
The 31 grid projects identified for the target year 2040 also include seven projects from the previous multi-year plan, the «Strategic Grid 2025» (SN2025), which was drawn up in 2015 and has not yet been completed. The SN2025 contained ten projects with the target year 2025. Only three of these projects have been fully implemented to date. The others are still in the project planning or implementation phase. The main reasons for the delays are objections or legal proceedings.
It is important that politicians, authorities and the population support the construction of these centralised infrastructures so that the usual high level of security of supply can continue to be guaranteed. The only way to speed up the modernisation of the transmission grid is to introduce efficient approval processes. Swissgrid plays an important role by coordinating its projects with infrastructure operators and the cantons on a regional basis, bundling infrastructure, seeking environmentally friendly solutions and involving the population at an early stage.