Sommaruga optimistic for this winter

Thanks to the hydropower reserves, the rescue package, the austerity campaign and the obligation of the Federal Council for the Gas Industry to provide additional storage capacity, the Federal Council believes that Switzerland is well prepared for this winter.

But one should be aware that the war against Ukraine could have unforeseen effects, she told Keystone-SDA news agency on Wednesday.

During the talks in Prague it also became clear “that the winter of 2023/2024 could become an even greater challenge”. Especially if you have to start from a low point when topping up the gas storage tanks.

The Federal Council is therefore closely following what is being prepared in Europe in order to guarantee optimal cooperation in the following winter as well. But “the better the cooperation is now, the more it will help us in the medium and long term”.

The energy ministers also discussed the energy transition. “The huge dependence on oil and gas, especially Russian gas, must be reduced as soon as possible,” Sommaruga said. All states agreed on that.

Over the past ten years, Switzerland has paid CHF 80 billion for foreign oil and gas. “If we can invest some of that in domestic hydro, wind and solar, we can greatly improve security of supply in our country.”

During the Prague meeting, Sommaruga also took the opportunity to connect with other energy ministers and exchange views with their colleagues.

Federal Councilor Sommaruga will open the international conference on hydropower in developing countries in Geneva on Thursday, according to the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC).

(SDA)