Energy policies of IEA countries : Switzerland 2003 review

The International Energy Agency's 2003 review of Switzerland's energy policies and programmes. This review finds that the SwissEnergy Programme constitutes the core of Swiss energy policy for the 2001 to 2010 period, with targets for saving fuel and electricity, use of renewables and climate change mitigation. Switzerland is to be commended for rigorously monitoring its policies and measures, but particular emphasis should be placed on ensuring their cost-effectiveness. Environmental issues are a central focus of Swiss energy policy but more effort is needed to meet the Kyoto target or the more stringent 10 percent national target for carbon dioxide reductions. To avoid excessive costs, programmes for emissions trading and other flexible mechanisms could usefully supplement new domestic measures such as voluntary commitments and the proposed CO2 "incentive" tax. Reform of the electricity and gas sectors is becoming urgent but presents a challenge due to the rejection of the Electricity Market Law in a public referendum held in September 2002. The report discusses possible approaches to increase efficiency in the electricity and gas sectors while respecting the referendum results. Read more... This 2007 edition of the International Energy Agency's periodic review of Switzerland's energy policies and programmes takes an in-depth look at the energy challenges facing Switzerland and provides critiques and recommendations for policy improvements. It finds that Switzerland is entering decisive times in its energy policy. In 2008, the country should see remarkable advance in electricity market reform. Support for renewable electricity is set to increase massively. Decisions on post-Kyoto targets are getting closer, and a CO2 tax will be introduced for heating and process fuels. Plus, new measures to increase energy efficiency and the broader use of renewable energy are high on the political agenda. Since the last in-depth review in 2003, Switzerland has made progress in most areas of energy policy. Still, more work remains to be done. Maintaining sufficient electricity capacity implies even stronger policies to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Switzerland’s climate policy should focus more on reducing emissions from private car use, the largest and fastest-growing emitter. Switzerland’s world-class energy R&D is expected to more than halve energy needs per capita by the second half of this century. This ambitious goal needs to be supported by consistent policies on energy efficiency and climate change. 1. Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations -- 2. Organisation of the Review -- 3. General Energy Policy -- 4. Energy and the Environment -- 5. Energy Demand and End-Use Efficiency -- 6. Fossil Fuels -- 7. Renewables -- 8. Nuclear Power -- 9. Electricity and Heat -- 10. Research and Development -- Annex A. Energy Balances and Key Statistical Data -- Annex B. International Energy Agency "Shared Goals" -- Annex C. Glossary and List of Abbreviations.