A new study published by the Swiss government considers it is realistic for Switzerland to generate 37,400 GWh from hydro by 2035, up from the theoretical hydropower generation of 35,990 GWh on 1 January 2019. However, to meet the target defined by the Energy Act, an average net development of 85 GWh/year is required in the coming years (it has been 87 GWh/year since 2011).
This study is unable to determine whether the objective of 38,600 GWh by 2050, set by the Energy Strategy 2050 is achievable. The annual production potential identified by 2050 could be much higher if the potential of glacial lakes and new construction projects that have not yet been unveiled are exploited.
Compared to the previous study (2012), the development potential estimated by 2050 under optimized conditions of use is about 1,600 GWh/year lower. After deducting the development of 640 GWh/year between 2012 and 2019, the effective difference is 960 GWh/year. The potential for large hydropower by 2050 is between 760 and 1,380 GWh/year (between 770 and 1,430 GWh/year in 2012). The potential for renovations and expansions of existing plants is between 970 and 1,530 GWh/year (between 870 and 1,530 GWh/year in 2012). The potential for small hydropower is between 110 and 550 GWh/year by 2050, which is significantly lower than 2012 (between 1290 and 1,600 GWh/year).
Since the entry into force of the new Energy Act (2018), investment contributions to small and large hydro power plants reaches approximately CHF60m (€55m) per year (until 2030). Large hydro power stations also receives a market premium of CHF10 0m (€92 m) per year (until 2022).
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