Switzerland is one of the electricity hubs of Europe. Electricity is imported to bridge consumption gaps and excess electricity is exported. Long-term import agreements for electricity from French nuclear power plants currently ensure that Switzerland has privileged import opportunities, in particular to bridge the deficits during the winter months. In future, these privileged agreements will no longer be possible as they contravene European market liberalization provisions.

In future, very cold periods during winter are likely to lead to critical situations when electricity usage is high in Switzerland and in neighbouring countries. At the same time, European countries are also facing major problems in the replacement and reorganization of their electricity supply system. Large-scale power plants are reaching the limits of their planned lifespan and electricity grids have to be adjusted to the growing and fluctuating feed of electricity from renewable sources. Furthermore, if Switzerland is reliant on imports, the low prices cannot be maintained. In future, prices will have to rise to match the higher prices that are standard in neighbouring countries. If Switzerland wishes to remain as independent as possible when it comes to security of supply, the country will have to be able to generate sufficient power itself, especially during the winter months.