The Energy Commission of the Swiss Council of States (representing the cantons in the Swiss parliament) has unanimously decided to create a legal basis for the rapid construction of photovoltaic plants on open land. This concerns plants with a high proportion of winter electricity production, such as are conceivable in particular in alpine terrain, such as those installed by Axpo with Alpinsolar at the Muttsee dam.
For such plants with an annual production of more than 20 gigawatt hours, the planning and environmental impact assessment obligation is to be waived in the case of instructed demand. Accordingly, interests of national and cantonal importance take precedence. The consent of landowners and local communities is a prerequisite. The Swiss Confederation also wants to promote these systems with an investment contribution.
Solar on all new buildings from January 2024
In addition, the commission unanimously decided to make the best possible use of suitable surfaces of federal infrastructure facilities for solar energy. Accordingly, from January 2024, all new buildings are to be equipped with a solar system on a mandatory basis. Building applications submitted before this date would not be affected. These proposals are to be dealt with by the Council of States and the National Council in autumn 2022. Due to the urgency of these federal laws, the provisions could also be enacted in the short term. (nhp/mfo)
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