The solar coup (Swiss Press Text 2023, by Christian Zürcher / Markus Häfliger) - Swiss Press Award
Tages-Anzeiger
Christian Zürcher / Markus Häfliger
In the fall, Parliament passed an urgent federal law permitting the construction of alpine solar power plants in a fast-track process and subject to reduced environmental regulations. The "Solar Plan," which was prompted by the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, is considered historically unique because its political development took only three weeks. Ruedi Noser and Beat Rieder, two conservative Council of States members, were inspired by the idea of former SP President Peter Bodenmann, who envisioned a gigantic photovoltaic power plant in the Saflisch Valley in Valais: Grengiols Solar. Together with Green Council of States member Lisa Mazzone, they drafted a bill that also stipulated a solar power requirement for new buildings. After the unexpectedly clear yes vote in the Council of States, further compromises – for example, regarding hydropower and constitutional conformity – were needed for the National Council to approve it. The emergency law, which overhauls Swiss energy policy, entered into force immediately.
Interview with Christian Zürcher / Markus Häfliger
