Federal Council wants to pay 2.3 billion francs for power plants that ideally never run

The Swiss Federal Council is proposing a significant investment of 2.3 billion Swiss francs to construct four new reserve power plants. This measure is framed as an essential insurance policy to guarantee the nation's energy supply during potential shortages or widespread power outages. The rationale behind this substantial expenditure is rooted in risk analyses by the Federal Office for Civil Protection, which projected potential economic damages of 84 billion francs from a 30% electricity deficit in winter.

These reserve facilities are slated to be operational between 2030 and 2045. The Federal Council cites escalating risks to Switzerland's energy security, exacerbated by the tense geopolitical climate, as the primary driver for this initiative. The intention is for these plants to serve as a safeguard, ideally remaining unused to minimize operational costs. However, if power shortages necessitate their activation, further significant funds would be required.

The plan is not without its critics, with initial parliamentary feedback and historical context indicating controversy. A previous attempt to establish a reserve power plant in Birr, which cost the federal government 470 million francs, was later deemed illegal by the Federal Administrative Court. This past experience highlights the contentious nature of such projects, even when presented as necessary measures against potential crises.