Outputs
Renewable Energy Outlooks
Explore SWEET EDGE's national and regional scenarios for integrating very high shares of decentralized renewable energy into the Swiss energy system by 2035 and 2050.
About the REO
The Renewable Energy Outlook (REO) is a flagship output of SWEET EDGE. It presents a comprehensive set of energy system scenarios modelling how Switzerland can achieve near or fully renewable electricity and heat supply, while maintaining security of supply, affordability, and European market integration.
Scenarios are developed using advanced energy system models covering national, regional (cities, midlands, Alps), and pan-European contexts. Each scenario tests different assumptions on technology costs, policy ambition, and societal uptake of renewables.
Downloads
Renewable Energy Outlook II for Switzerland
Van Liedekerke, A., et al. · SWEET EDGE Deliverable D7.7, May 2025
View publication →Renewable Energy Outlook I for Switzerland
Trutnevyte, E., et al. · SWEET EDGE Deliverable D7.1, January 2024
View publication →Key Findings
These summaries describe results and interpretations from the linked outlooks. Modelled pathways depend on the assumptions and scenarios in each report; they are not forecasts or guarantees.
High renewable shares are technically feasible
Switzerland can build a nearly or fully renewable electricity supply while maintaining hourly system balance. Multiple technological pathways can achieve the transition.
Source: REO ISolar PV is essential, but not sufficient
Rapid PV expansion is central to every pathway, but solar alone is neither sufficient nor optimal. Wind, biomass, waste and other complementary technologies remain important.
Source: REO IEuropean integration lowers the cost of the transition
A well-integrated European electricity market reduces investment needs and renewable curtailment. Restricting market integration or winter imports makes the transition more expensive.
Source: REO IIWind becomes critical for winter security
Wind power plays an increasingly important role when Switzerland limits winter electricity imports or becomes less integrated with European electricity markets.
Source: REO IIThe transition is affordable, but policy choices matter
Reaching net zero is estimated to cost around 0.63-0.75% of household consumption on average to 2050. Limited market integration and tighter import restrictions would increase electricity prices and overall costs.
Source: REO IIPublic acceptance can shape the pathway
Technology preferences remain relatively stable, but political debates can shift public opinion. Open-space PV, for example, lost support as alpine solar became more politicized.
Source: REO II