Summary
The gas and steam combined cycle power plant (GuD) operated by Energie Wasser Bern (ewb) with a capacity of 50 megawatts will be available as a reserve power plant from winter 2026/27 onwards. This is part of a transitional solution to secure Switzerland's energy supply security until new reserve power plants are operational from 2030 onwards. The UVEK has signed a four-year contract with ewb through spring 2030 and has commissioned technical upgrades before winter 2026/27.
People & Organizations
- Energie Wasser Bern (ewb)
- UVEK (Federal Office for the Environment, Transport and Communications)
- Ansaldo Energia
Topics
- Switzerland's energy supply security
- Reserve power plants
- Winter electricity supply
- Transitional solution until 2030
Detailed Summary
The Forsthaus GuD by ewb helps bridge a critical supply gap. The existing reserve power plants in Birr (AG), Cornaux (NE) and Monthey (VS) will be phased out at the end of spring 2026. The new reserve power plants with a total capacity of 583 megawatts, which UVEK commissioned in May 2025, will not be fully available until 2030 at the earliest.
The transitional solution consists of several components: In July 2025, UVEK signed a contract with Ansaldo Energia for a gas turbine test stand in Birr with 250 MW capacity. Additionally, the reserve power plants Monthey and Cornaux as well as emergency power units with a total capacity of 280 MW will continue to operate until 2030.
The Forsthaus GuD complements these capacities with 50 MW. The contract between UVEK and ewb runs for four years through spring 2030. Necessary technical upgrades will be completed before winter 2026/27.
The legal basis is the Winter Reserve Ordinance, which the Federal Council extended through the end of 2030 in October 2025. From January 1, 2027, a new ordinance based on the revised Electricity Supply Act (StromVG) is intended to replace it.
Key Statements
- The Forsthaus GuD with 50 MW will be ready for deployment as a reserve power plant from winter 2026/27
- Transitional solution bridges the period until new reserve power plants (2030) are available
- Total capacity of the transitional solution: 580 MW (250 MW Ansaldo + 280 MW existing + 50 MW ewb)
- Technical upgrades of the GuD are required before winter 2026/27
- Legal basis: Winter Reserve Ordinance through 2030, then transition to new StromVG
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Stakeholder | Role |
|---|---|
| ewb | Operator of the Forsthaus GuD, contributes to energy supply security |
| UVEK | Coordinator and client of the transitional solution |
| Swiss population & economy | Benefits from secured electricity supply in winter |
| Ansaldo Energia | Provider of gas turbine capacity |
| Electricity producers | Can access reserves in case of bottlenecks |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Seamless energy supply security during transition period | Dependence on technical upgrades by winter 2026/27 |
| Proven power plants remain operational | Costs for operation and maintenance of transitional solution |
| Capacities (580 MW) cover basic demand | Possible delays in new reserve power plants from 2030 |
| Legal continuity through StromVG reform | Dependence on external partners (Ansaldo Energia) |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitor technical upgrades of the Forsthaus GuD through winter 2026/27
- Oversee contract fulfillment with Ansaldo Energia to secure the 250-MW capacity
- Accelerate timeline for new reserve power plants (from 2030) to reduce dependence on transitional solution
- Prepare legal transition from revised StromVG as of January 1, 2027
- Specify capacity planning for winter 2030/31 and beyond
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] All capacity figures (50 MW, 250 MW, 280 MW, 583 MW) verified from source
- [x] Dates and contract terms consistent
- [x] Government sources (UVEK, Federal Council) credible
- [x] No unverified data identified
Supplementary Research
Recommended for complete understanding:
- Federal Office of Energy (BFE) – Current electricity supply security reports
- Electricity Supply Act (StromVG) – Revised version and transitional provisions
- Winter Reserve Ordinance – Full text and Federal Council extension decision October 2025
Source List
Primary Source:
Press Release: Gas and Steam Combined Cycle Power Plant by ewb Available as Reserve Power Plant from Winter 2026/27
news.admin.ch – January 12, 2026
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/iDoyQnC8QMyfYoJMgJG61
Supplementary Sources:
- Federal Council – Winter Reserve Ordinance (extended October 2025)
- Federal Office of Energy – Electricity Supply Security Switzerland
- Revised Electricity Supply Act (StromVG) – Effective January 1, 2027
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 12, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 12, 2026