Axpo Urges Gas Power Plants to Secure Switzerland’s Energy Supply.

Axpo, Switzerland’s largest electricity producer, has called for the construction of three to four gas-fired power plants to strengthen the country’s long-term energy security.

Chairman Thomas Sieber says gas plants would provide a fast and flexible solution to balance Switzerland’s electricity grid, especially during winter when demand is high and renewable production drops.

The proposal aims to complement existing hydropower and renewable energy sources in Switzerland. According to Axpo, gas-fired plants can be built much faster than large hydro or nuclear projects and can quickly respond to sudden electricity shortages.

Energy experts warn that Switzerland faces a “winter electricity gap,” where domestic production is not always sufficient to meet demand. This challenge is expected to grow as electricity consumption increases due to electrification and new technologies such as data centers and artificial intelligence systems.

Axpo argues that gas plants could act as a backup system, ensuring stability when solar and wind power are not available. However, the proposal has sparked debate because it conflicts with Switzerland’s long-term climate and decarbonization goals.

The company also stresses the importance of maintaining existing nuclear power plants as part of the country’s energy mix, describing them as a cost-effective and stable source of electricity for the coming decades.

Swiss policymakers now face a difficult balance between energy security, environmental targets, and economic costs as they plan the country’s future power system.