Gas could play a crucial role in an energy crisis
(05.02.2025) A study conducted by ETH Zurich (EPFZ) and ZHAW has assessed the resilience of Switzerland’s energy supply system. The findings indicate that even with a 70% reduction in electricity imports, the country could meet its energy needs for a full year without requiring exceptional measures.
The researchers based their analysis on a model in which 55% of electricity demand would be covered by wind and solar power, while the remaining 45% would come from hydropower and low-cost electricity imports, in line with climate objectives. They then subjected this system to various scenarios to test its resilience against a drastic drop in gas and electricity imports. According to the study’s results, Switzerland could sustain a 70% reduction in imports for a year without needing additional measures.
However, in the case of more extreme reductions (90% or even 100%), the most economically viable crisis solutions would rely on backup gas and liquid fuel power plants. While the construction costs for these fossil fuel facilities would be moderate, their operation would be expensive due to the necessary installation of CO2 capture systems to maintain net-zero emissions by 2050.
The study’s projections suggest that building new nuclear power plants would only become economically viable under an extreme scenario – specifically if total import disruptions occurred every two years with no available gas supply. As for green hydrogen, its maximum contribution would not exceed 2.5 TWh, representing just 3% of domestic demand.
Hydropower reservoirs remain a cornerstone of Switzerland’s energy security, with a storage capacity of 9 TWh. The study also underscores the critical role of gas. If gas imports remain possible during a crisis, it would become the preferred solution, despite the high costs associated with CO2 capture.