If this happens, Switzerland would become the first country to do so.
Switzerland is heavily dependent on hydropower to meet its energy requirements; about 60 percent of the country’s power comes from hydropower. However, production slows down during the winter months. The country also imports electricity from neighbouring France and Germany, both of which are now facing an energy crisis like the rest of Europe due to the Ukraine war.
French utility EDF saw its electricity output drop to a 30-year low earlier in 2022 due to a record number of nuclear reactor outages, and it is racing against time to ensure its fleet can run at full capacity for the depths of winter. France is more vulnerable to Europe’s energy crisis, unleashed by the fallout from the war in Ukraine, than some other European nations due to low nuclear availability and demand there being particularly temperature-sensitive.
The invasion of Ukraine by major oil and gas exporter Russia has triggered an energy crunch and prompted countries in Europe, which were highly dependent on Russian deliveries, to diversify their supplies.
Switzerland is thus preparing for a possible blackout. Under the proposal, the country plans to restrict energy usage in buildings and may even ban concerts, theatre performances, and sporting events.
If the situation worsens, Switzerland wants to limit the use of electric vehicles to only essential trips.
Other than that, the Swiss power plan also involves measures like banning cryptocurrency mining and escalators being turned off.
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