Since 5 November 2021, the electricity produced by the hydroelectric power plant in Fionnay in Valais has been transported via Swissgrid’s 220 kV Fionnay–Riddes overhead line.

Thanks to the initiative by naturschutzlösungen and Pro Natura, a new habitat is being created for yellow-bellied toads — under Swissgrid extra-high-voltage masts, of all places.

At a technical level, Swissgrid is doing everything needed to maintain secure system operation. However, private-law agreements between transmission system operators are not an adequate substitute for an electricity agreement in the long term. Swissgrid is reaching the limits of possible solutions at a technical level.

In a three-part blog series, we explain how Swissgrid creates resilience in the transmission grid in the areas of installations, operation and supply as well as in relation to the human factor. The first part of this series is dedicated to installations and operation.

Most ultra-high-voltage lines in Switzerland are situated in zones with natural hazards that are often difficult to avoid.

The grid needs to be upgraded and expanded in line with demand to ensure the successful implementation of the Energy Strategy 2050. That much is clear. But grid projects often take longer than planned. Why is that?

All electricians will tell you that the first thing they learned at the start of their training is to make sure the power was off before working. Since 1 October 2020, this is no longer entirely correct in Switzerland.

After the power failure in Valais, Swissgrid initiated some investigations. The incident was the result of a combination of technical and human factors. Swissgrid is learning from it and has taken appropriate action.

Electricity is an omnipresent part of our life that we often take for granted. Without it, our social and economic life would cease to function. As the backbone of the Swiss electricity supply, the transmission grid plays a critical role in ensuring the security of supply.

To ensure the security of supply in the canton of Grisons and the transportation of Engadine hydropower, Swissgrid is adding another «system» to the line.

On 20 December, BKW will shut down the Mühleberg nuclear power plant. Forever. The power plant will be switched off and dismantled. This will result in the loss of around 370 megawatts in electricity production in the Bern region.