By Anders Lorenzen

Swiss politics sets itself apart from most countries. Some argue that their system of direct democracy with frequent referendums is one of the most democratic models of government. It often gives citizens the final say on a particular issue.

This was recently the case with a new law to boost renewable energy in the alpine country. The government had grown concerned that as the demand for electricity in Switzerland was increasing, supply was not. The increased demand was partly due to the increase in electric vehicles and heat pumps. The government wanted more emphasis on producing more home-grown clean energy.

In a referendum held last week, voters backed the costed legislation that would promote renewable energy. The law was passed in the autumn of last year, and it sets out to increase energy independence by boosting transport, storage, and electricity production including installing solar panels on buildings.

It further sets out to rapidly increase renewable energy production, thus contributing to energy security.  Red tape will also be cut, easing restrictions in suitable areas thus paving the way for large solar and wind projects.

Opponents of the law put it to a referendum, arguing that it would be too costly and not fit for purpose. But two-thirds of Swiss voters responded convincingly by voting for the law, paving the way for it to come into effect next year.

Court ruling

The support for the law comes after 2,000 Swiss women brought a lawsuit against the government for not doing enough to tackle climate change, subsequently, a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in favour of the women.

Hydropower and nuclear energy at 56% and 37% respectively, account for the majority of the country’s electricity mix. The country has a low penetration of traditional renewable energy technologies such as solar at 7% and wind power. at 0.3% But the hope is that this new energy law will change that picture.