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Axpo Energy Reports: Wind Energy
Wind energy plays a particularly important role in winter, as around two‑thirds of annual production occurs during the windy winter months. In Switzerland, this potential has so far been barely utilised, even though the technology is mature and reliable.
Modern turbines operate efficiently even at moderate wind speeds and are significantly quieter than earlier models. Studies show that Switzerland’s theoretical wind potential could amount to several dozen terawatt-hours per year – enough to make a substantial contribution to winter electricity supply. The biggest challenges today are lengthy approval procedures and local acceptance. However, new simplifications in permitting processes could help accelerate expansion. Overall, wind energy offers a sustainable, winter‑strong complement to solar energy.
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Key questions and answers
Even today, Switzerland consumes more electricity in winter than it produces. Wind energy is a mature technology with considerable potential in Switzerland, meaning it can make a substantial contribution to the country’s electricity supply. The Axpo Energy Reports therefore examine the conditions under which wind energy can be expanded by 2050 — in an open-minded and fact-based manner.
Switzerland has significant potential for wind energy – although each site must be assessed individually. Wind energy is a mature technology and is particularly cost-effective for generating electricity during the winter months. Lengthy appeal procedures currently pose a major challenge for wind energy projects. To harness this potential in Switzerland, the acceleration decree must be implemented consistently and swiftly at cantonal level. In doing so, cantons should involve the municipalities but refrain from requiring formal consent as part of the planning approval process. Furthermore, additional suitable areas must be designated and planning strengthened from a nationwide perspective.
- Around two-thirds of annual production takes place during the winter months (October to March)
- Stable production, even during periods of low sunlight
- Can be easily combined with solar energy to balance out seasonal fluctuations. Relatively low demand for supplementary power during the winter
