Swiss power supply Axpo wants three to four gas-fired power plants for security of supply
According to Chairman of the Board of Directors Thomas Sieber, Axpo favors three to four gas-fired power plants to secure Switzerland's electricity supply. The electricity company's preferred scenario combines hydropower, renewable energies and gas, he said in an interview with "CH-Media".
11.05.2026, 05:36
11.05.2026, 12:19
SDA
Gas-fired power plants would have "major advantages" because they can be regulated quickly, are relatively quick to build and bring flexibility to the system. However, the conditions would have to be created and legal adjustments made so that such plants could be built.
At the same time, the continued operation of existing nuclear power plants remains key. "This gives us time to expand other capacities and, from an economic perspective, is also the most cost-effective option for winter electricity in the coming years or even decades," said Sieber in the interview published on Monday.
Gösgen and Leibstadt: operating times of up to 80 years
Running times of up to 80 years are conceivable for Gösgen and Leibstadt. In the case of Gösgen, a decision must be made by 2029 as to whether the plant will continue to operate or be taken off the grid as planned.
Sieber also called for subsidies to be geared more towards winter electricity and for the expansion of wind power to be driven forward. Switzerland must act now in order to guarantee sufficient winter electricity and security of supply by 2050.
Electricity prices are likely to trend downwards in the medium term. More and more renewable energies are coming into the system worldwide, which will have a price-dampening effect, said Sieber, who will step down as Chairman of the Axpo Board of Directors at the end of May.
