How to read this site
A position you can question.
Evidence you can check.
We support safe existing nuclear plants and a credible path to new nuclear. We publish the evidence needed to test that position.
For an introduction to the energy questions, read Swiss electricity, explained.
Our editorial position
We want Switzerland to electrify more of its economy while maintaining reliable and affordable supply. We consider nuclear an important option.
This is an editorial position. It does not decide which plant to build, who should finance it or which price is acceptable. Those choices need evidence.
We examine weaknesses in the current strategy and in proposed alternatives. We apply the same tests to nuclear, hydro, solar, storage and imports.
Five labels with different meanings
- Observed
- A reported measurement or statistical result, with its period and boundary.
- Calculated
- A value derived from stated inputs. We show the formula and its sources.
- Policy target
- A stated goal. A target does not establish that the necessary assets will exist.
- Scenario
- A conditional result: what follows if the stated assumptions hold.
- Assumption
- An input selected for analysis. It is not presented as an observed fact or a supplier offer.
How to check a number
Follow the source link beside a figure to find the original publication, reporting period and relevant page or table. For calculated values, check the inputs, units, formula and assumptions.
A source may use a different definition from another source. We explain differences that affect a comparison and flag those we cannot resolve.
Missing evidence stays missing
We first look for a public source or a defensible alternative. If neither exists, we mark the gap. We may model an assumption, but we label it and explain the calculation.
We do not turn a confidential price into an invented quotation. We do not describe a proposed project as built. A planned improvement remains a scenario until evidence supports it.
A short glossary
- Power: MW or GW
- The rate of electricity production, use or transfer. One GW is 1,000 MW.
- Energy: MWh, GWh or TWh
- Electricity produced or used over a period. One TWh is 1,000 GWh. One GWh is 1,000 MWh.
- Capacity factor
- Actual generation divided by the energy a plant would produce at its stated capacity throughout the same period. Keep gross and net definitions consistent.
- Round-trip efficiency
- Energy returned from a store divided by the energy used to charge it, using a consistent measurement boundary.
- Net exporter
- For a stated period, exports exceed imports. This does not mean that imports are unnecessary in every hour.
- Energy sovereignty
- Our policy aim: control over supply choices and resilience to disruption. This is not a claim of complete domestic self-sufficiency.
Publisher, corrections and scope
Niko Storni publishes WattInfo. Send questions and corrections to [email protected].
Include the page address, the affected claim and any supporting evidence.
These briefings do not constitute a complete national energy plan.