SWITZERLAND Law and Practice Contributed by: Nicolas Wehrli and Melanie Wilhelm, Loyens & Loeff
Energy efficiency programmes • Building Programme – subsidies for renovations and solar installations. • Impulse Programme – targets multi-family buildings and electric heating replacements. • Mobility Programme – tax breaks for energy-effi- cient vehicles. • ProKilowatt – CHF70 million annually to support electricity-saving projects. • Grid Surcharge Reimbursement – available to electricity-intensive companies. Decarbonisation measures • Innovation incentives – CHF1.2 billion over six years for emission-reducing technologies. • Net-zero roadmaps – required for funding under Article 6 of the CIA. • Risk coverage – up to CHF5 million for thermal networks and storage (Article 7 of the CIA). • CO₂ capture and storage – tender launched to store 500,000 tonnes by 2030. • E-truck charging infrastructure – support for SMEs via industry associations. • Solar heat for industry – subsidies include CHF2,400 base + CHF1,000/kW performance based. Conventional Energy Sources Switzerland continues to phase out nuclear energy under the Energy Strategy 2050. While new nuclear plants remain prohibited, existing facilities may oper- ate if safety standards are met. However, the Federal Council is reconsidering this phase-out. Additionally, the Swiss Energy Act and CO₂ Act pro- hibit new oil heating systems from 2023. Existing sys- tems must be replaced with renewable alternatives by 2030. 7. Due Diligence/Data Privacy 7.1 Energy and Infrastructure Company Due Diligence Publicly listed companies are allowed to provide due diligence information as long as the provision of such information is in the best interest of the company and complies with the applicable law and contractual obli-
These goals enjoy broad political and public sup- port, as evidenced by the 59% voter approval of the Climate and Innovation Act in the 2023 referendum, which allocates CHF3.2 billion over ten years to sup- port climate-friendly technologies and infrastructure. Government Incentives for Renewable Energy Switzerland offers a robust suite of incentives across federal, cantonal, and municipal levels. Key instru- ments include the following. Hydropower • Investment grants or sliding market premiums. • Planning subsidies covering up to 40% of eligible costs. • Market premiums for large plants (>10 MW) selling below production cost. Biomass • Investment contributions for biomethane and waste-to-energy plants. Wind energy • Grants or market premiums via Pronovo AG. • Planning subsidies up to 40% of costs. Geothermal energy • Support for prospecting, development, and down- stream facilities. • Geothermal guarantees for risk coverage. Photovoltaics • KLEIV – small systems (<100 kW) receive up to 30% of reference costs. • GREIV – large systems (>100 kW) with higher rates for integrated systems. • HEIV – high incentives for systems without self- consumption. • Parking area bonus – additional support for PV on uncovered parking lots. New instruments (2025 onwards) • Sliding Market Premium (GMP) – based on annual energy output. • Investment contributions (IB) – for biomass, wind, and hydropower.
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