New book looks at over 200 years of energy in Switzerland

The goal of the book is to offer a summary of Swiss energy over the course of two centuries, something that was missing.

“Studies exist on specific sources of energy,” Chachereau explains, “but there was no book giving an overview in French.”

They began the book with the oldest forms of energy – animal and wood – and then moved more or less chronologically through coal, hydroelectric, oil and natural gas, nuclear, and finally renewables.

“There’s the risk of giving the impression that each energy source just comes one after the other,” he says. “But it’s rare that an energy source just disappears. Rather, it’s addition, not replacement.”

Nevertheless, Chachereau and Humair highlight that certain energy sources, by acquiring major importance, contributed to bringing about large changes in society. The introduction of coal was such a fundamental upheaval, transforming society by providing much more available energy in the country without replacing what there was. Oil had a similar impact in 1945, changing the layout of towns and cities by allowing people to live further apart due to the ubiquity of cars.

In their book, the researchers identify the two groups of actors with the greatest influence on Switzerland’s energy trajectory: the producers and distributors of energy, and the businesses that consume the most energy. Both these groups have historically had, and still have, a lot of influence over the politics of energy.

Some of their goals align, while others are in opposition. As the first group looks to stimulate energy consumption to raise profits, the second group is looking for the least expensive source of energy. However, for both groups, it is important the energy source is abundant and can be used at any time.

“Companies producing and distributing energy are more likely to focus on an energy source that is profitable and available at all times,”Chachereau explains. This is truer for sources like oil and nuclear than for something like wind.

The book’s scope includes the present, giving both a helpful historical context as well as analysis on the issues of today. On the issue of who is most responsible for our current climate crisis, for example, Chachereau looks to the past to see that the question of blame between producer and consumer is not a new one. And seeing the accumulation of energy sources over time is an important reminder that we need to both find new energy sources and to reconsider consumption of existing ones.

“We can do a lot with solar but if we don’t do anything on the other hand to reduce fossils, that won’t change anything,” Chachereau says.

“Looking at climate change, it’s important to have this historical perspective,” he adds. “History shows that there has never been a miracle solution.”