Wobble in store for Swiss energy security?

Switzerland’s energy security could be at risk if it doesn’t bring in strong policies to counteract cutting out nuclear power. That’s according to a review of the country’s energy policies […]

Switzerland’s energy security could be at risk if it doesn’t bring in strong policies to counteract cutting out nuclear power. That’s according to a review of the country’s energy policies by the International Energy Agency published yesterday.

The country’s swathe of electricity market reforms are seeking to cut greenhouse gas emissions by a fifth by 2020.

Speaking in Bern at the launch of the ‘Switzerland 2012 Review’, IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven said: “The transition to a low-carbon economy is not for free. In the absence of nuclear power, maintaining sufficient electricity capacity will require strong policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. The government has already proposed measures, but they will likely not be enough.”

Ms van der Hoeven added Switzerland needs to develop the legal and regulatory framework of its Energy Strategy 2050 to provide “stable, long-term conditions” for its energy market.

Although the IEA says Europe’s banking capital has high levels of oil and gas security, it encourages Switzerland to boost investments in electricity grids and generating capacity by deregulating end-user prices and shortening and simplifying licensing procedures.

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