Media release from 14 May 2024
The Swiss Power-to-X Collaborative Innovation Network (SPIN) supports the new Swiss Electricity Act
Zurich, 14 May 2024 – The Swiss Power-to-X Collaborative Innovation Network (SPIN), the leading “network of Power-to-X networks” in Switzerland, is strongly in favour of the upcoming Swiss Electricity Act, which will be voted on 9 June 2024. This law is an important critical milestone for the expansion of renewable energy, in the endeavour to protect the climate and ensure improved security of energy supply in Switzerland. In terms of implementation, SPIN expects that the legislator will proactively tackle the opportunity to build a power-to-X infrastructure and utilise it as an opportunity for Switzerland as a location for business and innovation.
The new law emphasises the accelerated development of renewable energy sources such as water, solar, wind and geothermal energy. “This initiative is a decisive step towards reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and securing our future energy supply,” emphasises SPIN Co-President Prof. Markus Friedl. “It is fully in line with our mission to promote a sustainable and resilient energy landscape in Switzerland.”
Promotion of power-to-X technologies
A key aspect of the law is the exemption of Power-to-X plants from grid utilisation fees, which enables the conversion of surplus electricity from renewable sources into hydrogen or other energy carriers. This measure is of fundamental importance in order to drive forward the expansion of renewable energies and improve security of supply. For SPIN, this development represents an important step forward in accelerating the implementation of power-to-X technologies in Switzerland. It is crucial that the ordinance is implemented in accordance with the will of the legislator, that the hurdles for power-to-X systems are removed and that such systems achieve a breakthrough in the coming years with full exemption from grid utilisation fees and targeted support.
Long-term benefits for Switzerland
Despite criticism aimed at the feared high costs and expansion of wind energy, SPIN emphasises the long-term benefits of the law for the population and the economy. “Investments in renewable energies and power-to-X technology create jobs, strengthen security of supply and make a decisive contribution to climate protection,” adds Co-President and National Councillor Martin Bäumle. “The benefits for the Swiss population and economy clearly outweigh the initial challenges.”
SPIN is appealing to all stakeholders and the public to support the Electricity Act in order to jointly secure a sustainable energy future for Switzerland. By adopting this law, Switzerland can play a pioneering role in the areas of renewable energies and power-to-X technologies and make a significant contribution to global climate protection.