Executive Summary

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti will attend the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial Conference in Paris from 18 to 19 February 2026. The focus will be on the role of nuclear energy in the energy mix, energy security, and long-term raw material availability. Switzerland will present its dual strategy: short-term expansion of renewable energies, and long-term openness to new nuclear power plants subject to a popular vote.

People

Topics

  • Energy policy
  • Nuclear energy
  • Energy security
  • International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • Renewable energies

Clarus Lead

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti is travelling to Paris for the biennial IEA Ministerial Conference to align Swiss energy strategy with 32 member states. Nuclear energy is at the centre of discussions as a climate-friendly baseload provider, currently securing 27% of Swiss electricity production. Switzerland is pursuing a dual strategy: immediate expansion of hydropower, solar and wind energy combined with an open option for new nuclear power plants, on which the people will decide.

Detailed Summary

The Ministerial Conference of the International Energy Agency addresses current developments in energy markets and their impacts on energy security, financing and sustainability. In addition to government representatives, business actors, civil society and international organisations also participate. The focus spans two days: on 18 February, nuclear energy will be discussed as a priority topic, and on 19 February, the IEA Governing Board at ministerial level will address energy security.

Switzerland argues that nuclear energy remains indispensable despite the expansion of renewable energies. The country has no significant gas and oil reserves and is completely dependent on imports. Gas supply is based on open trade, long-term supply contracts and foreign storage facilities. As a transit country between France, Germany and Italy, close cooperation with neighbouring states is essential. Rösti emphasises: The dual strategy of renewable expansion and an open nuclear energy option ensures long-term energy supply within the European grid.

Key Messages

  • Nuclear energy currently contributes 27% to Swiss electricity production and remains central as a CO₂-free baseload provider
  • Switzerland is pursuing a dual strategy: short-term expansion of wind, solar and hydropower; long-term openness to new nuclear power plants subject to a popular vote
  • Energy security is a priority: Switzerland is completely dependent on energy imports and functions as a European transit country
  • Close cooperation with neighbouring states and technology-neutral policy are required

Critical Questions

  1. Data Quality: How is the share of nuclear energy in electricity production (27%) measured and validated? Are these figures compatible with international standards?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent do energy companies with nuclear interests influence Switzerland's position at the IEA conference? How transparent is this influence?

  3. Causality: Is the argument that only nuclear energy plus renewable energies can secure supply, or do alternative scenarios exist (e.g. storage technologies, efficiency improvements)?

  4. Feasibility: What timeframe is realistic for new nuclear power plants, and what regulatory hurdles exist beyond the popular vote?

  5. Risks: How are radioactive waste disposal and long-term storage addressed in IEA discussions?

  6. Side Effects: Could the focus on nuclear energy slow down the expansion of renewable energies and storage solutions?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Federal Councillor Rösti at the International Energy Agency Ministerial Conference – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/hMTXdhDvN7DsLXputWpzv

Verification Status: ✓ 17 February 2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 17 February 2026