By approving the Action Plans for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in February 2008, the Federal Council focused Switzerland’s energy policy more strongly on reducing emissions in line with the declared climate objectives.

These action plans comprise a package of measures aimed at aligning power supplies to the principles of sustainability, combating climate change, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Three billion Swiss francs for promoting renewable energies
The Axpo Group believes in the future of renewable energies, and supports the Federal goal of increasing power generation from renewable energy sources in Switzerland. By 2030 Axpo will invest 3 billion Swiss francs in promoting the development of renewable energies, thus underlining its market leadership in this area.

Over the next few years Axpo will be massively increasing renewable energy capacities both in Switzerland and abroad. In Switzerland the focus is on base load coverage, above all by small hydro and biomass power generation but also by geothermal power plants in the longer term. Outside Switzerland the main emphasis is on wind energy, small hydro and solid biomass.

Promoting innovative projects and research work
For some years Axpo has been offering renewable energy, above all from hydroelectric power plants both large and small as well as from biogas power plants. As another promotional measure, Axpo founded the Green Power Fund. This supports innovative renewable energy projects by helping to finance R&D, pilot plants and feasibility studies.

Axpo is also committed to new developments and benchmarking innovations in power generation. Among other ways, by supporting through "swisselectric research" applied R&D in all areas – from power generation and transmission to distribution and utilization.