This 2012 IEA review of Swiss energy policies finds that
Switzerland has taken bold decisions to gradually phase out
nuclear power and to reduce by a fifth its greenhouse gas
emissions by 2020 with domestic measures only. These are
challenging objectives, and the country now needs to identify
the most viable ways to meet them at least cost and minimum risk
to energy security. In the absence of nuclear power, maintaining
sufficient electricity capacity will require strong policies to
promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Such measures
have already been outlined, but they will likely not be enough.
For baseload generation, gas-fired power plants would be the
simplest option. Treating their CO2 emissions the same way as in
the neighbouring countries would be a strong positive incentive
for investors. Because Switzerland’s energy-related CO2
emissions come mostly from oil use in transport and space
heating, action is most needed in these areas. Commendably, the
country is making polluters pay by using a