Hydroelectric power is the most important production form in the Swiss power industry. A total of 35 TWh or approximately 55 percent of the Swiss production mix is generated from hydroelectric power in Switzerland. Hydroelectric power is generated by large-scale run-of-river power plants, storage power plants and pumped-storage power plants, which are highly suited to balancing short-term fluctuations between consumption and production. 

In the years ahead, the contribution made by hydroelectric power will be further reinforced by the expansion projects already underway for large- and small-scale hydroelectric power production. After this, however, the scope for expanding large-scale hydroelectric output is very limited. In addition, natural factors, such as climate change (lower rainfall), and water conservation legislation (especially the regulations governing residual water flows) will probably result in a reduction in the electricity produced by existing hydroelectric power plants. In total, this will lead to a reduction of approximately ten percent in electricity production by 2050.