Switzerland needs a secure long-term supply of electricity that is economically viable and ecologically acceptable. In its strategy for a secure energy future for Switzerland, the Federal Council designated four fields of action. Energy efficiency, renewable energies, large-scale power plants, and foreign policy on energy.

The Federal Council and the electricity sector estimate that additional capacity of 3,200 MW will be required to deliver base load energy by 2030. Existing nuclear power stations must be replaced or new facilities built in order to safeguard against drastic power shortages. Due to the high political priority accorded to climate protection, the Federal Council intends to exclude the production of large volumes of electricity from fossil fuels over the long term. Individual gas-fired combined-cycle power stations will continue to be considered as a transitional solution.

Alpiq is acting in line with the Federal Council's energy policy

Today Alpiq supplies electricity to one third of Switzerland, with particularly extensive coverage of north-west, French-speaking and Italian-speaking Switzerland. As a way of supplementing hydroelectricity and other types of renewable energies, nuclear power is indispensable in the bid to ensure adequate, cost-effective supplies of electricity in Switzerland. With this in mind we are continuing to push ahead with our project for a new nuclear power station in Niederamt, Solothurn, and submitted the framework permit application in June 2008. Since then the Federal Office of Energy (FOE) has receive applications for two other nuclear power stations. Axpo and BKW are planning to build facilities in Beznau und Mühleberg. We welcome these projects and regard them as important steps in the concerted effort to ensure Switzerland's energy security. The FOE now has three equivalent projects under consideration. Public opinion and the official framework permit procedures will show which two projects best meet the technical and political requirements. Swiss voters will have the last word.

Nuclear power stations are major projects of national importance. As such, they require broad-based support and must, wherever possible, be built and operated as partner plants. We are negotiating with Axpo and BKW on the form which such collaboration will take and on mutual holdings in our nuclear power station projects. Alpiq is also open to the possibility of third-party participation and is holding talks with this in mind.