Federal energy strategy is not reliable for planners due to federal Swiss system in Switzerland

The Energiestrategie 2050+ offers perspectives for the individual cantons, and how the energy goals 2030 and 2050 could be accomplished. In total, the strategy sets a goal of 4,3 additional TW/h for the wind energy sector. 

These goals and the strategy are however not reliable for wind power planners as the federal structure in Switzerland offers the cantons the autonomy to decide themselves what they plan to implement. In addition, the municipalities can decide themselves whether to accept or refuse individual projects without suggesting alternative sites. While the federal level can suggest the overall goals, it is within the cantons authority to enter sites into their site structure plan (Richtplan). Once a project has been entered into the site structure plan, it is the municipality`s authority through a direct vote, if the construction is approved or not. This practice entails major investment uncertainties on the side of the planners as a simple 51% in the final direct vote of the municipal level can make the previous investments in planning the plant in vain.