Unfortunately, we missed the chance for a better scenario several years ago.
But hey – have a consolation prize.
A little chocolate to sweeten your naivety?
Take a look at a more realistic level.
Oh – you still believe in a perfect world?
Did you really think there was a better scenario?
You dreamer, you.
Unfortunately, we can’t turn back time.
The past is gone for good.
Can’t handle reality?
It’s okay – we’ve got something to help you.
Around two thirds of Switzerland’s energy consumption is based on fossil fuels, most of which are transported to Switzerland by ship. During periods of low water levels, when shipping is restricted, transport costs increase. Ongoing electrification is economically promising, as electricity is more efficient and can be produced locally. In addition to nuclear power, Switzerland relies primarily on hydropower – accounting for nearly 60% of electricity production in 2022.
Hydropower, however, is at the mercy of the weather. Today, less water flows in rivers during winter, reducing hydropower production in the cold season – precisely when demand is highest. Solar power production is also lower in winter.
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Since the construction of hydropower reservoirs, peak discharge levels during heavy rainfall events have decreased. back to Water Balance
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Hydropower plants currently benefit from additional meltwater from glaciers. back to Glacier Retreat
Snow and glaciers have served as natural water storage, or buffers, for hydropower. Until now.
On the one hand, more winter precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow, making water directly available. Power plants with large seasonal reservoirs and significant glacier deposits may also initially benefit from increased meltwater. Depending on location, however, this effect will diminish over time – along with the glaciers themselves.
On the other hand, summer drought reduces hydropower productivity. At the same time, more electricity can be generated through photovoltaics. However, the lack of precipitation then becomes a problem during the transition to winter, when the reservoirs are not sufficiently filled.
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The question of water allocation is becoming more pressing: for example, regarding its use for artificial snowmaking, irrigation, cooling, and maintaining the ecological functions of water bodies. back to Water Balance
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Loose debris from areas of glacier retreat accumulates in hydropower reservoirs, reducing the volume of water available for electricity production. back to Glacier Retreat
Hydropower is becoming increasingly dependent on precipitation patterns. Winter drought is becoming more common, and in spring reservoirs may not be filled because water is needed for irrigation, for example, and because residual water volume requirements for water protection have been increased. If water levels drop too low and water temperatures rise too high, most nuclear power plants must also shut down, as sufficient reactor cooling can no longer be ensured.
Without effective climate mitigation measures and regulatory frameworks, Switzerland could quite literally run out of power.
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Precipitation deficits affect not only hydropower, but the entire water management system – which requires water for cooling, irrigation, lives and livelihoods, and habitats. These distribution conflicts can escalate into regional tensions, as already seen between neighbouring Austria and France. back to Water Balance
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In areas of glacier retreat, new reservoirs and hydropower plants could be constructed. back to Glacier Retreat
That's it. RIP.
That's a bit too much.
Maybe go down a level?
Got it – you're really into extremes.
Game over.
Try a different level.
That extreme? You’ll find the matching soundtrack here.
We’re done with this planet.
On to the next!
Solutionsfor: Energy Production
The expansion of renewable energy such as solar and wind enables what is known as system hybridisation, whereby multiple energy sources are combined so that they complement one another. By doing so, it is possible to reduce both dependence on natural system variability and pressure on the environment.
At the regional level, hybridisation can even lead to higher residual water volumes while maintaining hydropower production. At the 'Round Table on Hydropower,' potential sites have been identified – for example in glacier retreat areas – where new reservoirs could be built or existing dams raised. The primary objective is to increase storage capacity in order to ensure sufficient winter electricity.
New and existing reservoirs can also be used as multipurpose storage facilities for electricity generation, drinking water supply, flood protection, irrigation, and ecological compensation measures without significant additional burden.