Renewable energies make a significant and valuable contribution to electricity supplies over the long term, and are also important in terms of climate change.

According to the Federal Office of Energy statistics on renewable energies, wind and solar power account for some 0.2% of electricity production in Switzerland (status 2010). While this share will undoubtedly grow much larger, initially such growth will remain highly limited in the overall scheme of things. With our projects in Switzerland and abroad, we make an important contribution to the government's declared aim of expanding the use of renewable energies.

In this respect, stepping up the use of hydropower offers the greatest potential, particularly in Switzerland. Projects currently being implemented in this field include construction of the Nant de Drance pumped-storage power station in the canton of Valais, improvements to existing run-of-river and storage power stations, and the planning and installation of various small hydroelectric power stations. We have also invested in the development and operation of small hydroelectric power stations in Italy and Scandinavia, and new projects are continually being added.

We view wind power as a practical supplementary source of energy. We operate two large wind farms in Italy in conjunction with partners. These two alone are capable of delivering 15 times the volume of electricity produced by all wind farms in Switzerland. In Jülich (Germany) we are working on plans for a unique solar tower power station, and have been commissioned by the cities of Augsburg and Linz to plan and build a biomass heating power station.

In addition to promoting renewable energies, we are committed to sustainable resource management and low-emission production. A great many of our plants in Switzerland and abroad are certified to current standards and are regularly checked and improved with a view to reducing emissions.

• Statistics of renewable energy of the SFOE