How to read this site

A position you can question.
Evidence you can check.

We recommend safe reactor extensions and development of new nuclear, alongside useful hydro, renewables and efficient electrification. We publish the evidence behind that position.

Quick readAbout 1 min

The essentialsCheck the evidence behind our recommendation.

Know our position
We support safe nuclear extensions and new nuclear alongside useful hydro, renewables and efficient electrification.
Source and limits
Separate fact from scenario
Observed results describe the past. Scenarios depend on assumptions. Our recommendations add a judgement about priorities and risk.
Source and limits
Follow the source
Check the reporting period, units, boundaries and calculation. Apply the same scrutiny to every technology and to our own models.
Source and limits

Keep in viewMissing evidence remains a gap or a labelled assumption. Stronger evidence can change our recommendations.

Next Our proposed path to 2050Read in detail

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. Nuclear forms part of our preferred mix. Read our proposed path to 2050 for the priorities and timetable.

A recommendation combines evidence with a judgement about priorities and risk. We distinguish our recommendations from measured results, study estimates and existing policy targets.

We examine weaknesses in the current strategy and in proposed alternatives. We apply the same tests to nuclear, hydro, solar, storage and imports. Evidence can change which projects we support.

Draw conclusions from the underlying evidence

We examine a study's data, assumptions and omissions before using its conclusions. Where inputs permit, we reconstruct calculations and test how different assumptions change the result. We apply the same scrutiny to our own work and state which results we have reproduced.

Evidence labels

Observed: A reported measurement or historical statistical result, with its period and boundary.
Estimate: A value estimated from a survey, engineering assessment, project budget or model. Its method, date and coverage matter.
Calculated: A value derived from stated inputs. We show the formula and its sources.
Policy target: A stated goal whose delivery depends on projects, investment and operation.
Scenario: A conditional result: what follows if the stated assumptions hold.
Assumption: An input selected for analysis, with its basis and uncertainty explained.

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 unresolved differences.

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 label assumed prices and planned improvements, and report each project at its documented development stage.

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. Imports may still supply individual hours within that period.
Energy sovereignty: Our policy aim: control over supply choices and resilience to disruption. Trade and imported inputs can remain part of that supply.

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.

Our proposal chooses a demand reference, an earlier supply package and a working new-nuclear date. The remaining investment total, final reserve quantity and household tariffs depend on project prices, broader reliability tests and owner contracts.

Read the source register or choose a briefing.