06.02.2025 - Axpo has given the go-ahead to construction of the NalpSolar alpine solar plant in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, it was announced today. Work is planned to commence, weather permitting, this March. Located 2,000 metres above sea level, the pioneering project will generate important climate-friendly electricity, particularly during the winter months. NalpSolar is part of the federal government’s Solar Express initiative, while the expansion of renewable energy is a key pillar of Axpo’s strategy.
The NalpSolar plant will be built in the municipality of Tujetsch in Graubünden canton, close by the Lai da Nalps reservoir and 2,000 metres above sea level. With an installed capacity of around eight megawatts, it will generate approximately 11 gigawatt hours of electricity a year – enough to power more than 2,000 households. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will purchase the produced solar electricity for a 20-year period to supply its network with renewable energy.
Emphasising the importance of the project, Axpo Deputy CEO and Head of Generation and Distribution Andy Heiz said: ‘NalpSolar reaffirms our commitment to renewable energy in Switzerland. This project will explore the limits of solar energy in Alpine regions, giving us invaluable insights into the feasibility of large-scale solar projects in mountainous conditions. Our focus is on developing solutions that are both technologically advanced and economically sustainable over the long term.’
Once again Tujetsch is leading the way, helping to set a new benchmark for the use of renewable energy in the region. Highlighting the importance of renewable energy for the area, Axpo’s Head of Solar Switzerland, Oliver Hugi, said: ‘Axpo has been working with local authorities in the Surselva region for many years regarding hydropower. Now we are writing a new chapter in this success story with solar energy. I’m delighted that, together with the municipality of Tujetsch, we will reach a further milestone on the road to a climate-friendly energy future.’
The Mayor of Tujetsch, Martin Cavegn, also emphasised the project’s importance for the region: ‘Following our pioneering work in hydropower, we’re proud that our municipality is now playing a role in the development of Switzerland’s alpine solar installations. With NalpSolar, we are again demonstrating our commitment to sustainable energy production.’
Ensuring the economic viability of the project remains a challenge. However, this groundbreaking initiative is not being assessed solely from a financial perspective. Axpo has deliberately chosen to pursue NalpSolar as a step towards advancing solar energy in Switzerland. The project has the potential to generate invaluable insights and drive technological progress. This learning curve is essential in making future projects more efficient and sustainable. Axpo’s investment in projects like NalpSolar demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable and innovative energy future. The expansion of renewable energy, both in Switzerland and Europe, is a key pillar of Axpo’s strategy.
Weather conditions permitting, construction work on NalpSolar is set to get underway in March 2025. To meet the requirements of the Solar Express initiative, 10 per cent of the installation will be connected to the grid by the end of 2025. The remaining construction work will be completed in stages over the subsequent summer months.
Corporate Communications
