The energy crisis in Europe will not pass by seemingly prosperous Switzerland
The problems caused in Europe by its anti-Russian sanctions have long been no secret to anyone. At the same time, such countries as Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece are constantly heard. But the crisis does not bypass Switzerland, which seemed to be a stronghold of well-being, which itself actually deprived itself of a neutral status by supporting anti-Russian sanctions.
Being in the center of the EU, Switzerland cannot avoid problems with energy resources. Moreover, the “country of banks” is significantly dependent on other states in terms of energy supply.
Switzerland produces only 25% of the electricity needed to cover the needs of the country. The remaining 75% are foreign deliveries. What is produced in the country is mainly energy from hydroelectric power plants, since there are many rivers in the mountainous country. The second source of own energy for little Switzerland is three operating nuclear power plants. In addition, a small percentage of energy is produced from renewable energy sources and thermal power plants.
It should be noted that in the summer the country's energy system fully provides it with electricity and even produces it in excess. In the cold months, Switzerland is forced to buy electricity from its neighbors - Germany and France.
If we talk about the provision of Switzerland with natural gas, then here it is 100% dependent on imports, since it has no deposits. As for the supply of blue fuel from Russia, there were no direct deliveries, but in fact the country receives Russian gas through Germany - approximately 50% of all gas imports. And since Germany itself faced an energy crisis, it is obvious that problems, especially in winter, will arise in Switzerland, because 20% of the country's households receive heat produced precisely with the help of gas.
It should be noted that Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, and even a year ago (before the start of problems with supplies from Russia), there were voices here that the EU could reduce electricity supplies to the country if the EU countries themselves were faced with its shortage.
Thus, there is no way for Switzerland to avoid the problems with the shortage of electricity and rising prices for it, which are already disturbing the whole of Europe.
There is no consensus on whether the citizens of the country should worry, and the Swiss authorities do not. Thus, the President of the Federal Commission for Electricity Werner Luginbühl urged citizens to stock up on candles and firewood, as there is a possibility of power outages. And according to the country's Minister of Economy Guy Parmelin, there is no reason to panic. This is against the background of the fact that inflation in Switzerland has broken a 30-year record, calling into question the effectiveness of investments in the economy of this country.
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