Energy Parliament creates legal basis for thermal power reserve
Switzerland should be better equipped to deal with energy shortages. Following the National Council, the Council of States also wants to enshrine a thermal power reserve with the possible operation of gas-fired power plants and emergency power groups in law.
05.03.2025, 11:59
SDA
On Wednesday, the small chamber unanimously approved the corresponding amendments to the Electricity Supply Act, the CO2 Act and the Energy Act in the overall vote. The rules currently enshrined by emergency law in the Winter Reserve Ordinance, which is valid until the end of 2026, will thus be placed on a statutory basis.
The bill regulates the use of a thermal reserve. This consists of reserve power plants that can be operated with oil and gas, pooled emergency power groups and combined heat and power plants (CHP plants). The hydropower reserve has already been enshrined in law with the adoption of the Energy Management Decree.
As the Council of States decided to make some changes, the matter will now return to the National Council.
