For a variety of reasons, demand for electricity is set to grow even further over the next few years. Large markets such as China, India and Brazil are gaining in global importance. And the more their economies grow, the greater their hunger for electricity.

Switzerland is also growing. Over the next 30 years the population of Switzerland is set to rise by one million. More people means a higher demand for electricity. The economy is growing (by approx. 1 percent per year), and with it the volume of traffic (1 to 1.7 percent). Construction is expanding (1 percent) and more and more electrically-powered devices are being used. To reduce carbon emissions, fossil fuels are being replaced by new technologies which also entail higher electricity consumption.

According to the latest forecasts, demand for electricity will outstrip supply by 2020, resulting in electricity shortages. Over the same period the nuclear power stations Beznau I and II as well as Mühleberg are scheduled to be taken off the grid. And existing import agreements with foreign suppliers will expire as from 2018. Even if the production of new renewables grows significantly, their contribution to energy security will be minor. At present, new renewables account for no more than 2 percent of Switzerland's total electricity production.

Switzerland needs a secure long-term supply of electricity that is economically viable and ecologically acceptable. Through targeted investments, Alpiq is making a valuable contribution to Switzerland's energy security.