Swissgrid say electricity infrastructure needs an overhaul

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 06:35

Switzerland's electricity grid needs a major overhaul if the country is to electrify cars, heating and data centres, according to operator Swissgrid

Most of the 6,700 kilometres of transmission lines were built before the 1980s, and electricity still covers only a third of national energy use.

Swissgrid plans to invest CHF 5.5 billion by 2040 to upgrade 400 kilometres of lines, build 700 new ones and dismantle 700 others.

The push coincides with COP31's goal of lifting electricity to 35% of global energy consumption by 2035.

Switzerland supports the target in principle, but is holding back on signing binding commitments at Antalya.

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