1. Renewables Grid Initiative
  2. About
  3. Members
  4. Swissgrid

Swissgrid

Swissgrid is Switzerland's national grid company. The Electricity Supply Act (StromVG) of 2007 reorganised the Swiss electricity market: electricity production, trading and sales as well as the transmission of electricity were separated, and Swissgrid was entrusted with the operation of the Swiss high-voltage grid. They employ more than 450 highly qualified people from more than 24 countries at its sites in Aarau, Laufenburg, Uznach, Landquart, Ostermundigen, Prilly and Castione. The Swiss electricity grid is extremely important for international electricity trading. For decades it has been a hub for balancing peaks in demand and production. Switzerland is a founding member of the ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity). Swissgrid is a recognised centre of competence in the ENTSO-E. Switzerland’s importance is also apparent from the figures: more than 40 lines connect the Swiss transmission system with other countries. 

Irene Fischbach, Head of Communication & Stakeholder Affairs, Swissgrid, on RGI:

"Because of its geographical location, Switzerland is an important hub for the international trading of electricity. Hydropower and sustainable grid assets have enabled renewable energies to enjoy a long history in Switzerland. The large number of storage power plants and the huge available cross-border transport capacity of the Swiss transmission grid make an important contribution to reliable and sustainable energy supplies in Europe. Swissgrid, an important player in Switzerland's security of supply, will be investing 2.5 billions of Swiss francs in replacing and upgrading the transmission system over the next few years. Supplies from wind and solar energy are a huge challenge for Transmission System Operators, requiring an efficient grid system. Through the Renewables Grid Initiative we are going to pave the way for delivering increasing levels of energy from renewable sources to consumers."

RGI gratefully acknowledges the EU LIFE funding support:

EU LIFE funding support Logo

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the LIFE Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.