Alpiq has already made investments and project commitments totalling around CHF 54 million.

Hydro power has become the most important method of power generation used in Switzerland, and accounts for 60 percent of electricity produced here.

With Switzerland heading for a shortage of power supplies and the options virtually exhausted for expanding storage, pumped storage and run-of-river power stations for hydroelectricity, Alpiq is increasing its focus on mini hydroelectric schemes. Through Alpiq EcoPower Switzerland Ltd., Alpiq has already made investments and project commitments totalling around CHF 54 million.

Over the next few years, Alpiq Eco Power Switzerland Ltd. plans to invest around CHF 200 million in the development, construction and operation of small hydro power stations. According to the Swiss Federal Law on Energy, renewable energies are to be used to increase the average annual volume of electricity generated in Switzerland by 5.4 TWh, with hydro power accounting for 2 TWh. Alpiq has set itself the goal of providing 20 percent of the required 5.4 TWh quota for new renewable energies.