Swiss voters have backed legislation aimed at accelerating renewable energy roll-out in the country.
The federal law on a secure electricity supply with renewable energies (amendment to the Energy Act and the Electricity Supply Act) was backed by 69% of the electorate in the optional referendum.
The Swiss government had said: “It has become more difficult to supply Switzerland with sufficient energy at all times.
“International conflicts and the restructuring of the electricity supply in Europe mean that we can experience shortages in the winter months if too little electricity can be imported.
“The demand for electricity in Switzerland has also grown, for example in industry, and also for electric vehicles and heat pumps.
“To ensure the security of the supply, Parliament has therefore passed the Federal Act on a secure electricity supply from renewable energies.”
The proposed legislation prepares the ground for Switzerland to rapidly produce more electricity from renewable energy sources such as water, sun, wind and biomass.
This is intended to consolidate the independence of the country’s electricity supply.
The bill includes funding instruments and new arrangements for producing, transporting, storing and consuming electricity.
The expansion of solar power production is to take place primarily by installing panels on buildings.
In suitable areas, there will be less strict planning conditions for wind power and large solar energy plants, which are particularly important for the electricity supply in winter.
The 16 hydropower plants mentioned in the new legislation will also be subject to more relaxed planning conditions. This will increase the chances that a project can be realised even in the event of opposition.
Popular votes on new energy projects remain possible, said Swiss authorities.