Swiss authorities flag potential energy supply disruption over Iran war

The war in Iran could affect the reliability of electricity supply in Switzerland, with federal authorities warning of potential uncertainty in energy provision for the coming winter amid tension in European gas markets.

According to Blue News, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) said on May 7 that current price trends on the market do not yet indicate a risk of electricity shortages.

The regulator noted that Europe still has significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal capacity, while French nuclear power plants are operating at a high level of availability.

At the same time, Elcom warned that risks in gas supply chains could impact energy system stability in extreme scenarios, particularly in the event of restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and low storage levels.

The commission also highlighted long-term challenges, stating that around 60% of Switzerland’s approximately 12,000 grid support structures are between 50 and 80 years old, and require accelerated modernisation.

By Jeyhun Aghazada