Swiss citizens approved the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources in a nationwide referendum on Sunday, aimed at speeding up the transition to renewable energy. The bill, which the Parliament already endorsed in September 2023, aims to lessen the country’s dependency on energy imports and minimize the risks of critical supply situations in times of crisis, such as international conflicts. 

According to the official website of the Swiss government, a majority of 68.72% of the participants voted in favor of the bill. As a result, the Federal Act is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2025.

In particular, the Federal Act aims to achieve its goals by focusing on the increase of renewable energies, including hydraulic, solar, wind, and biomass. This includes the expansion of solar panels on buildings and the establishment of a mandatory hydropower reserve. Additionally, new regulations for the production, transport, storage, and consumption of energy will be introduced, with an emphasis on improving overall energy efficiency and enhancing grid security.

The Federal Act also aligns with Switzerland’s broader Energy Strategy 2050, where the Federal Council in 2019 vowed that the country would achieve carbon net neutrality by 2050.

Over the last five years, Switzerland has relied on imports for around 70% of its energy consumption with the majority coming from non-renewable energy sources. Furthermore, in April of this year, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the country was violating human rights by failing to adequately address the impacts of climate change.

Alongside the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources, Swiss citizens also voted on other matters, such as the premium relief initiative, the cost-break initiative, and the initiative for freedom and physical integrity. These issues were primarily concerned with medical treatment and health insurance matters and were voted against by the majority of the participants. In Switzerland, optional referendums can be initiated if a referendum committee manages to collect over 50.000 valid signatures within 100 days of the publication of the new legislation.