BKW boss warns of possible power shortages next winter

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Contrary to fears, the winter of 2022/23 was mild in terms of the energy crisis, but a new electricity crisis is already looming. Electricity could be scarce again next winter, says BKW boss Robert Itschner.

According to Itschner, “a difficult situation could arise”. This cannot be ruled out “if the coming winter becomes very cold or if some important power plants in Europe fail,” said the new boss of the Bernese energy company in an interview with the AWP news agency.

Switzerland was lucky

Switzerland was certainly “lucky” last winter, “that it was relatively warm and we used less energy,” Itschner said. However, it was already very dry this winter, and no matter how dry the summer will have an impact on the next cold season. “South of the Alps, there is currently a low point in electricity production from hydropower.”

Also in the field of gas supply – “a very important part of security of supply in Europe” – the situation has eased somewhat: Europe has apparently been able to develop new gas sources reasonably well. “It costs more, but it secures access to gas,” Itschner said.

nuclear uncertainty

He has less confidence in the availability of nuclear energy in France. “The problem was not solved in principle, but necessary maintenance work and renovations were only delayed.” The power plant park could therefore not be as reliable as one would like.

Itschner therefore argues for the continuation of the measures that have been decided: the hydropower reserve, the pooling of emergency power generators, the emergency power station Birr. “A lot has been arranged in Switzerland in a short time, but fortunately we haven’t had to use that yet.”

However, the CEO of BKW is skeptical about the call for new nuclear power plants in Switzerland. He doubts “whether the population in Switzerland actually wants new nuclear energy”. He said: “When I see how significantly smaller projects are being postponed with objections – such as wind turbines with a few towers – it is difficult for me to imagine how we are going to get consensus for new nuclear power plants.”

In the course of the crisis and the scarcity of electricity, nuclear energy in Switzerland became increasingly discussed again. The new Minister of Energy, Albert Rösti, had made himself known openly. BKW has already closed its nuclear power plant in Mühleberg permanently, but through its interest in Leibstadt it still has nuclear energy in its portfolio and also has an interest in France.

BKW has essentially nothing against nuclear power, Itschner said. “But at the moment we have a technology ban in Switzerland – that’s just the way it is.”

The Swiss people voted on it in 2017: the energy law was approved with 58 percent of the vote. This allows existing nuclear power plants to run as long as they are safe. However, the law prohibits new construction.

Focus on sustainable energy

“I agree with Federal Councilor Rösti: We don’t have to have fundamental discussions about technologies in the coming years, but simply implement plans and realize long-discussed projects.” The focus at the Bernese electricity supplier is now on the expansion of renewable energy – water, solar and wind energy, according to Itschner.

At the same time, he is pleased with the dynamics that the crisis has sparked politically. An example is the decree currently being discussed in parliament. The energy mantle decree is about a rapid, simplified expansion of domestic electricity production from renewable energy sources.

“It is absolutely essential that the general decree is adopted and implemented. And there’s also a bit of courage in punching a hole in politics,” Itschner said. “We don’t have to solve all the problems right away and just take important steps.” Even if that is “a somewhat un-Swiss approach”. (SDA)

Source:Blick