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Alpiq
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Alpiq
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Alpiq is an internationally active energy group headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The company was established in 2009 after the merger of Atel Holding AG (Aare-Tessin AG für Elektrizität) and EOS S.A. (Energie Ouest Suisse).

Key Information

The energy group employs around 1221 people, is active in most European countries and is considered too big to fail in Switzerland.[3]

History

[edit]

The company was formed in February 2009 from the merger of Energie Ouest Suisse (EOS) and Aare-Tessin AG für Elektrizität (Atel).[4]

In 2010, Alpiq became the largest open market electric power trader in Romania, surpassing Alro Slatina, and gaining a 16% market share.[5]

From 2012 to 2016, the company's revenue fell by more than half and Alpiq incurred heavy losses in the area of hydropower. Acting as a wholesaler, the company was affected by a price drop in the wholesale market. Furthermore, unlike other renewable energies, hydropower was not supported by the state.[6][7] Alpiq therefore announced its intention to sell 49% of the hydropower plants in March 2016, but no buyer was found.[6][7]

Alpiq tried to sell its Swiss nuclear power plants to EDF in 2016, as the production costs of the nuclear power plants were higher than the electricity prices at the time.[8][9]

In March 2018, Bouygues acquired Alpiq's energy services business for over CHF 800 million. Following disagreements over the final adjustment amount, arbitration proceedings ensued.[10] This was terminated in 2020 and Alpiq refunded over CHF 50 million to Bouygues.[11]

Until 2019, Alpiq owned two coal-fired power stations in the Czech Republic until they were transferred to investor Pavel Tykač's Seven Energy Group at the end of August 2019, as Alpiq increasingly focused investments on renewable energies. Through the sale of the coal-fired power station, the company reduced its CO2 emissions by 60%.[12][13]

At a media conference in early April 2019, Alpiq announced that EDF was selling its Alpiq shares. The consortium agreement, which was to be terminated in September 2020, ended early. By the end of May 2019, EOS Holding and Primeo Energie each took over half of the share package, financed by a mandatory convertible loan from Credit Suisse. The aim was to delist Alpiq shares from the Six Swiss Exchange by means of a squeeze-out, and to split Alpiq's share capital.[14] The delisting application was approved by Six Exchange Regulation on 26 November 2019 and the delisting was set for 17 December 2019. On the last day on the stock exchange, the share price was approximately CHF 70.[15]

Company structure

[edit]

Alpiq is a public limited company under the Swiss Code of Obligations, with its registered office in Lausanne. As the operator of several power plants, it is active in the fields of energy generation and energy trading.[16] The three shareholder groups EOS Holding SA, Schweizer Kraftwerksbeteiligungs-AG and the consortium of Swiss minority shareholders each hold one third of Alpiq shares.[17]

Alpiq is managed by the Board of Directors and the Executive Board. The Board of Directors is responsible for the supervision of the Executive Board and comprises Johannes Teyssen (Chairman), Jean-Yves Pidoux (Deputy Chairman), Conrad Ammann, Tobias Andrist, Aline Isoz, Ronald Trächsel and Jørgen Kildahl.[18] The Executive Board includes Antje Kanngiesser (CEO), Michael Wider (Deputy of the CEO), Luca Baroni (CFO), Lukas Gresnigt (Head of International) and Navin Parasram (Head of Trading).[19]

In the 2023 financial year, Alpiq generated a revenue of CHF 8.4 billion[20] and employed an average of 1221 people.[21]

Sites

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Alpiq is active in various countries in Europe. In addition to its headquarters in Switzerland, the company operates further power plants at several locations in Italy, Spain, France, and Hungary.[22][23] The various nuclear and hydroelectric power plants are located in Switzerland, while the power plants for new renewable energies are located in Switzerland, Italy and France.[24][23] Other subsidiaries are located in the Czech Republic, Germany and the Nordic countries.[12][25] Alpiq is also present in Sweden with the development of a new wind farm.[26]

Activities

[edit]

Alpiq is an independent electricity producer and energy trader. The company is active in the business fields of energy generation, trading, and services. Its customers include medium-sized companies, large enterprises and public institutions.[25]

Alpiq uses hydropower, nuclear power, gas-fired and combined cycle power plants and new renewable energy sources such as small hydro, wind, and solar power plants to generate electricity. The company has a production of 17,450 gigawatt-hours (GWh), which breaks down as follows:[27]

  • 4997 GWh conventional thermal power plants (29%)
  • 5380 GWh hydropower (31%)
  • 516 GWh small hydropower, wind, and photovoltaic (3%)
  • 6557 GWh nuclear power (37%).[27]

Nuclear power plants

[edit]

The company has interests in two nuclear power plants. Alpiq holds a 40% interest in the Swiss Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant (capacity, 1060 MW) and is in charge of management. It holds a 27.4% stake in the Swiss Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant (capacity, 1165 MW). In 2016, Alpiq attempted to sell the nuclear power plants.[9]

Hydropower plants

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Storage power plants

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The most important hydropower plants for Switzerland are the Grande Dixence Dam with a capacity of over 2000 megawatts, and the Nant de Drance Hydropower Plant with a capacity of 900 megawatts. With its capacity of 900 megawatts, the Nant de Drance is one of the most powerful pumped storage plants in Switzerland.[28]

Alpiq Holding operates the following storage power plants:[29]

Storage power plants
Name Country Capacity MW Annual production
(million kWh) 		Stake (%)
Blenio Switzerland 400 835 17%
Cleuson-Dixence[N 1] Switzerland 2069 2000 72,7%
Emosson Switzerland 420 835 50%
Gougra Switzerland 168 643 54%
Engadiner Switzerland 410 1418 22%
Grande Dixence[N 1] Switzerland 2069 2000 60%
Hinterrhein Switzerland 744 1368 9,3%
Forces Motrices Hongrin-Léman S.A. (FMHL) Switzerland 480 1000 39,3%
Maggia Switzerland 626 1265 12,5%
Electra-Massa Switzerland 340 564 34,5%
Nant de Drance Switzerland 900 2000 39%
Salanfe S.A. Switzerland 70 110 100%
Simplon Switzerland 79 238 81,9%
Zervreila Switzerland 266 550 21,6%

Run-of-river power plants

[edit]

Alpiq also owns and operates various run-of-river power plants on the Aare in the cantons of Solothurn, Valais, Bern and Aargau. The run-of-river power plant near Flumenthal has a capacity of 27 megawatts and generates 146 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The Gösgen run-of-river power plant near Niedergösgen is one of the largest run-of-river power plants on the Aare, with an annual production of around 300 million kilowatt hours and an output of 51.3 megawatts. On 23 September 2020, the power plant received a new 70-year concession with retroactive effect from 1 January 2020. With an output of 23 megawatts, the Ruppoldingen run-of-river power plant generates 115 million kilowatt hours per year and is certified with the Swiss green electricity label naturemade star.[30][29]

Alpiq operates the following run-of-river power plants:[31]

Run-of-river power plants
Name Country Capacity MW Annual production
(million kWh) 		Stake (%)
Ruppoldingen Switzerland 23 115 100%
Flumenthal Switzerland 23.7 146 62,1%
Gösgen Switzerland 51.3 300 100%
Ryburg-Schwörstadt Switzerland 120 705 13,5%
Martigny-Bourg Switzerland 22 89 18%

Gas-fired and combined cycle power plants

[edit]

Alpiq has stakes of up to 100% in gas-fired and combined cycle power plants in Italy, Spain, and Hungary:[32]

Gas-fired and combined cycle power plants
Name Country Capacity MW Annual production
(million kWh) 		Stake (%)
Csepel Hungary 403 500 100%
Novel Italy 100 602 51%
Plana del Vent Spain 846 662 50%
San Severo Italy 403 1421 100%
Vercelli Italy 40 100%

New renewable energies

[edit]

In addition to hydroelectric power plants, Alpiq also generates electricity through wind power, small hydroelectric power plants and solar energy. The following table provides an overview of the small hydroelectric power plants in which Alpiq has a stake or owns:[33]

Small-scale hydropower plants
Name Country Capacity MW Annual production
(million kWh) 		Stake (%)
Alagna Valsesia Switzerland 4.6 9 90%
Bätterkinden Switzerland 0.37 2.47 65%
Brüggmühle and Sittermühle Switzerland 0.283 1.22 100%
Buchholz Switzerland 0.14 0.53 23%
Cotlan Switzerland 2.6 12.5 60%
Büttenen 1&2 Switzerland 0.895 5.43 100%
Eisenhammer Switzerland 0.24 0.84 100%
Freienstein Switzerland 0.61 2.27 18%
Grüneta Switzerland 0.198 1.41 100%
Hagerhüsli Switzerland 0.5 2.85 65%
Hämmerli Switzerland 0.1 0.5 23%
Hüscherabach Switzerland 1.9 6.1 60%
Lavinuoz Switzerland 2.9 10.8 25%
Le Bayet France 2.5 6.2 100%
Model Switzerland 0.418 2.51 49%
Moos Switzerland 0.88 5.74 100%
Matzingen Switzerland 0.105 0.64 100%
Meyerhans Switzerland 0.42 2.45 49%
Murkart Switzerland 0.325 1.48 100%
Nenzlingen Switzerland 0.34 1.43 100%
Peist Switzerland 0.295 1.2 51%
Riein Switzerland 0.015 0.07 100%
Riva Valdobbia Italy 1.0 8.5 90%
Seon Switzerland 0.072 0.41 75%
Striempel Switzerland 0.014 0.046 100%
Tambobach Switzerland 1.835 7.85 70%
Tomils Switzerland 0.038 0.129 100%
Trans Switzerland 0.022 0.09 100%
Walzmühle Switzerland 0.062 0.37 100%
Widen Switzerland 0.77 4.4 49%

Solar power plants

[edit]

In 2022, Alpiq, together with the municipality of Gondo-Zwischbergen and Energie Electrique du Simplon, launched the Gondosolar project to install solar modules in Alpjerung near the municipality of Gondo.[34][24] Alpiq is also involved in other projects for the installation of high-alpine photovoltaic systems, such as the Prafleuri and Grimentz Solaire projects.[35][36] Alpiq operates several solar power plants in Switzerland, France, and Italy:[37]

Solar power plants
Name Country Capacity MW Annual production (million kWh) Stake (%)
Kestenholz Switzerland 1.183 1.13 100%
La Chaux Switzerland 0.564 0.6 100%
Ponthaux Switzerland 0.511 0.5 100%
Ruppoldingen France 0.111 0.1 100%
Società Agricola Solar Farm 2 Italy 5.190 7 100%
Società Agricola Solar Farm 4 Italy 8.408 13.5 100%

Wind power plants

[edit]

Alpiq is also involved in the development of new wind farms in Sweden. In December 2020, Alpiq and the Swiss company Future Generation Renewable Energy (Fu-Gen) concluded a co-ownership agreement for the Tormoseröd wind farm developed by Alpiq in south-west Sweden.[26] Alpiq operates wind farms in Italy, France, and Switzerland:[38]

Wind power plants
Name Country Capacity MW Annual production (million kWh) Stake (%)
Roca Rossa Italy 84 127 100%
Cers France 11.5 36 15%
Cattolica Eraclea Italy 40 56 100%
Roussas-Gravières France 10.5 21 100%
Le Peuchapatte Switzerland 6.9 13.5 100%
Ennese Italy 70.5 111 100%
Monte Mele Italy 9 12 100%

Environment and sustainability

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In 2018, Alpiq generated an average of 298 grams of CO2 equivalents and 19 cubic millimeters of nuclear waste per kilowatt-hour. Alpiq was the worst performer among the largest energy companies, with an average of 347 environmental impact points (EIP).[39] The sale of the last two coal-fired power plants in the Czech Republic in the same year reduced Alpiq's CO2 emissions scrap by 60%.[12]

During the construction of the Nant de Drance pumped storage power plant, a total of CHF 22 million were invested in ecological compensation measures, in cooperation with WWF and Pro Natura. The measures included, above all, the restoration of wetland biotopes to enable the recolonization of endangered or rare animal and plant species.[40]

Alpiq also operates a joint venture with the company Hydrospider, which uses an electrolysis plant at the Gösgen hydroelectric power plant to produce green hydrogen.[41]

Alpiq is also committed to environmental protection at the company's own power plants. In rivers downstream of hydroelectric power plants, there is often a lack of bed load, which is considered the habitat of many aquatic creatures. To counteract the bed load deficit in the Aare downstream of the Ruppoldingen hydroelectric power plant and protect the habitat, Alpiq poured a total of 6,000 cubic meters of gravel into the river in 2021.[30] The Ruppoldingen hydroelectric power plant is also naturemade star certified, the highest award for green electricity in Switzerland. For every kilowatt-hour sold from the power plant with proof of origin, money is paid into the Alpiq eco-fund. These funds are then used to support ecological upgrading and improvement measures. More than CHF 5 million have been invested in such measures, including revitalization measures on the Witibach in Grenchen and ecological upgrading on the Aare.[42]

Notes

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References

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Alpiq

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from Grokipedia
Alpiq Holding AG is a Swiss energy company headquartered in , specializing in the production of electricity—primarily from —and the provision of services including trading, optimization, and marketing across . Formed in 2009 through the merger of Atel Holding AG and EOS Holding SA, the company traces its operational roots to over a century of Swiss development, with predecessors like Atel established in the early . As of 2024, Alpiq maintains an installed generation capacity of 5,721 MW, producing 17,281 GWh annually, much of it from low-carbon sources such as hydro, nuclear, , and , supplemented by thermal plants and emerging initiatives. The company employs around 1,300 people and focuses on enhancing and through efficient trading in and gas markets, direct marketing (notably as one of Germany's largest handlers), and customized services for industrial clients. Alpiq's operations span subsidiaries in countries including , , and the Nordics, emphasizing cross-border efficiency amid Europe's . While it has faced contractual and regulatory disputes, such as a settled long-term supply agreement with Swiss utility WWZ and arbitration over Romanian claims, these have not fundamentally altered its core production and trading model. Its defining strength lies in leveraging Swiss hydroelectric assets for reliable, CO₂-free output, positioning it as a key player in balancing variable renewables with baseload supply.

History

Formation and Early Development

Alpiq Holding Ltd. was formed on 1 February 2009 through the merger of Atel Holding AG (Aare-Tessin AG für Elektrizität) and EOS Holding SA (Energie Ouest Suisse), two established Swiss energy utilities. Atel, tracing its origins to 1894 as a regional electricity provider, had developed extensive hydropower and nuclear generation assets, while EOS, founded in 1919, focused on western Swiss energy production including key hydroelectric facilities like Grande Dixence. The merger created a unified entity with combined annual revenues exceeding CHF 16 billion, positioning it as a leading player in Switzerland's electricity sector amid European market liberalization. The new company, headquartered initially in before shifting primary operations to , integrated Atel and EOS's complementary strengths in power generation, trading, and distribution. This consolidation enabled Alpiq to manage approximately 20% of Switzerland's production from the outset, leveraging a portfolio of plants, nuclear facilities, and cross-border trading capabilities. Early priorities included streamlining administrative structures and enhancing in volatile energy markets, with the merger approved by shareholders in late to foster operational synergies. In its formative years from to , Alpiq focused on stabilizing post-merger operations and pursuing selective European expansion, including interests in renewable generation in southeastern . The company entered the electric mobility sector in by establishing Alpiq E-Mobility AG, marking an initial diversification beyond traditional electricity supply. These steps laid the groundwork for Alpiq's role as a versatile energy services provider, emphasizing flexible assets amid evolving regulatory and market dynamics.

Expansion and European Operations

Alpiq began expanding its operations beyond in the early 2000s, establishing a presence in key European markets to diversify its trading, production, and services portfolio. The company entered in 2002, focusing on and gas supply to consumers, later extending to households by 2021, and has since invested in flexibility assets such as a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in northern to enhance grid stability and renewable integration. Similarly, Alpiq commenced activities in in 2002 through the acquisition and management of the Csepel Group, becoming one of the country's largest independent power producers and traders with combined heat and power plants. In , Alpiq has operated for decades, leveraging cross-Alpine high-voltage lines for transportation and managing a diversified portfolio including thermal, wind, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric assets since at least 1999. represents another early foothold, with Alpiq Energía España active for 25 years as of 2025, operating significant flexible gas-fired plants that support grid balancing amid rising renewables. The company also initiated operations in and during this growth phase, prioritizing services and trading to capitalize on liberalized markets. Subsequent strategic moves have reinforced Alpiq's European footprint through targeted acquisitions aligned with flexibility and decarbonization goals. In 2024, Alpiq acquired a majority stake (54.9%) in Finnish hydrogen producer P2X Solutions for approximately 47 million euros, enabling production via powered by renewables. In , the company expanded energy services via acquisitions to broaden its geographic presence in growth sectors like and industrial efficiency. However, Alpiq divested non-core assets, such as its 72.5 MW Vetrocom in in an undisclosed recent transaction, to concentrate on primary markets including , Central, and . Today, Alpiq maintains operations across selected European countries, offering origination, trading, and flexibility solutions to support transitions, with a portfolio emphasizing battery storage, , and power plant optimization amid volatile markets. This expansion has positioned the company as a key player in cross-border energy flows, including via historic infrastructure like the Transalpine Pipeline dating to 1974, which facilitates gas supply to , , , and .

Strategic Shifts in the 2020s

In response to volatile markets and the accelerating , Alpiq approved a new corporate in December 2023 emphasizing the provision of system flexibility to integrate variable renewables, targeting net zero emissions by 2040. This shift prioritized investments in flexible assets such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and over traditional generation, aligning with Europe's increasing demand for grid stabilization amid rising intermittent renewable capacity. The built on earlier adaptations, including the company's delisting from the , which removed financial covenants and operational restrictions to enable agile funding for growth initiatives. Early in the decade, Alpiq divested non-core international assets to streamline operations and refocus on European flexibility markets. In September 2020, it sold its Scottish Flexitricity to Quinbrook for approximately CHF 18 million, exiting the market. Subsequent divestments included three Bulgarian companies—Alpiq Energia EOOD, Vetrocom EOOD, and Alpiq Wind Services EAD—in line with efforts to concentrate resources on high-value, flexible and storage in and select European regions. To operationalize the flexibility focus, Alpiq pursued targeted acquisitions in storage and green hydrogen. In April 2024, it acquired a 54.9% stake in Finnish electrolyzer firm P2X Solutions, with an option to reach 100% by 2028, enhancing capabilities in power-to-X technologies for sector coupling. Battery investments followed, including a 125 MW project in Finland from Pohjan Voima in May 2025 and a 100 MW BESS in northern France, expanding Alpiq's portfolio to provide ancillary services like frequency regulation and peak shaving. These moves, supported by internal leadership changes such as Lukas Gresnigt's 2022 appointment to refine trading and flexibility strategies, positioned Alpiq to capitalize on market volatility, as evidenced by improved adjusted EBITDA in 2024 despite turbulent conditions.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

Ownership and Shareholders

Alpiq Holding Ltd., the parent company of the Alpiq Group and domiciled in , , operates as a privately held stock corporation with majority private ownership. As of 31 December 2023, its stood at CHF 331,103.64, comprising 33,110,364 fully paid-up registered shares with a nominal value of CHF 0.01 each. The ownership is divided equally among three primary shareholder groups, each holding one-third of the shares: EOS Holding SA, Schweizer Kraftwerksbeteiligungs-AG, and a of Swiss minority shareholders. This structure ensures full control by these entities, with no reported in recent disclosures. The Swiss minority shareholders' consortium includes regional utilities and holding companies such as Energie-Bern AG (EBM), Energie Baselland AG (EBL), Eniwa Holding AG, Aziende Industriali di (AIL) SA, and Industrie- und Betreibergesellschaft (IBB). EOS Holding SA represents interests tied to public utilities in western , while Schweizer Kraftwerksbeteiligungs-AG focuses on nuclear and asset participations. This balanced model supports Alpiq's strategic emphasis on production, trading, and infrastructure investments across Europe.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

Alpiq Holding Ltd., based in , , serves as the parent company overseeing the Alpiq Group's operations. The group's structure is divided into three core operational divisions—Switzerland, International, and Trading—each focused on regional energy production, global market activities, and trading, respectively. Complementing these are centralized functional units under the Group Centre, encompassing , Corporate IT, Legal & Compliance, , , and Communications & Public Affairs, all reporting directly to the CEO to ensure coordinated support across the organization. The Board of Directors, with seven members as of 2025, holds ultimate responsibility for strategic oversight and supervises the Executive Board. Chaired by Johannes Teyssen, a former CEO of , the board includes Deputy Chairman François Gabella (elected 2024, former CEO of LEM Holding), Ronald Trächsel (Chairman of the Nomination, Remuneration and Strategy Committee, former CFO of BKW AG), Tobias Andrist (Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee, CEO of EBL), Adèle Thorens Goumaz (Member of the Nomination, Remuneration and Strategy Committee, professor), Andreas Büttiker (Member of the Nomination, Remuneration and Strategy Committee, former CEO of ), and Jørgen Kildahl (Member of the Audit and Risk Committee, former board member). The Executive Board manages day-to-day operations and implements board directives, comprising five members aligned with the group's divisional structure. Antje Kanngiesser has served as CEO and President of the Executive Board since 2021, bringing prior experience from BKW AG and earlier roles at Alpiq. Amédée Murisier joined as Head of in 2024, following positions at Alpiq and McKinsey. Lukas Gresnigt, Head of International since 2022 with a background at and SHV Energy, announced his departure by the end of 2025 to become CEO of EPEX SPOT. Navin Parasram has led Trading since 2022, previously at . Peter-Wim Gerssen assumed the role of and Head of in 2025, after a long tenure at Shell including as CEO of Shell .

Key Operational Sites

Alpiq's headquarters are situated in , , serving as the central hub for strategic decision-making and administration. Additional key operational locations in include , where the company is investing in new infrastructure near the railway station as of October 2025, and Sion, supporting regional . In , Alpiq maintains significant stakes in nuclear facilities, notably a 40% ownership in the Gösgen , which has a total capacity of 1,060 MW and contributes to approximately 15% of the country's needs. operations are concentrated along rivers like the , encompassing run-of-river plants, storage facilities, and pumped storage such as the Nant de Drance plant located underground between the Emosson reservoirs in canton, with a capacity of 900 MW. Smaller sites number around 30 across and neighboring regions, totaling 3,027 MW in Swiss production for Alpiq in 2024. Alpiq operates gas-fired thermal plants across for flexible power generation. In , the Plana del Vent combined cycle plant in (Vandellòs area) provides 414 MW, equivalent to the annual consumption of 140,000 households. In , the Csepel combined cycle facility near generates 403 MW, supplying about 6% of national electricity and integrating with . Italian sites include the San Severo combined cycle plant (403 MW) in Foggia province for grid stability, the Novel cogenerative plant (100 MW) in providing steam to industry, and the open cycle turbine (50 MW) in for peak flexibility. Alpiq also manages and photovoltaic assets in totaling 224 MW. Operations extend to France with (300 MW) and nuclear stakes (155 MW), though specific sites emphasize partnership models rather than full ownership.

Energy Generation Activities

Nuclear Power Generation

Alpiq derives a significant portion of its generation from equity stakes in two Swiss : Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken (KKG) and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt (KKL). These stakes entitle Alpiq to proportional shares of the produced, contributing to base-load, low-carbon power that supports Switzerland's . In , Alpiq's attributed nuclear production totaled approximately 6,705 GWh, with the majority from Swiss sources. Alpiq holds a 40% equity share in KKG, a commissioned in 1979 and located in the . The plant has a net electrical capacity of 1,060 MW and generates around 15% of Switzerland's total electricity needs annually, with Alpiq entitled to 40% of this output, averaging about 3,000 GWh per year under normal operations. Alpiq manages the operations of Gösgen-Däniken AG, the entity owning and operating the facility. A prolonged production outage beginning in 2025, due to and regulatory issues, is expected to reduce Alpiq's attributable output by up to 2.2 TWh through February 2026. In addition, Alpiq maintains a 27.4% equity share in KKL, a commissioned in 1984 and situated in the canton of . The plant features a net capacity of 1,285 MW and supplies approximately one-sixth of Switzerland's electricity consumption. Alpiq's share corresponds to a proportional entitlement to this production, bolstering its portfolio with reliable, dispatchable power. Fuel loading at KKL involved 24.4 metric tons of in 2021 and 28.1 metric tons in 2022, reflecting ongoing operational cycles. Beyond direct stakes, Alpiq secures nuclear electricity through long-term purchase rights from French nuclear facilities, contributing an additional 155 GWh to its 2024 portfolio, and has historical entitlements from other Swiss plants like Beznau. These arrangements enhance flexibility amid Switzerland's nuclear uncertainties, including a 2017 phase-out referendum overturned in practice. Alpiq also invests in decommissioning expertise, having established Swiss Decommissioning in 2015 to manage post-operational nuclear services, with contributions to funds like STENFO for waste and dismantling costs—CHF 7.7 million from KKL in 2022 alone.

Hydropower Facilities

Alpiq maintains one of 's largest portfolios, encompassing run-of-river, storage, and pumped-storage facilities with a collective installed capacity of approximately 3,300 megawatts, generating over 5 terawatt hours annually. The company operates around 30 small plants primarily in and neighboring countries, emphasizing integration with local economies and environmental considerations such as enhancements. These assets, utilized for over a century, provide CO2-free and flexibility for and grid balancing. Key run-of-river facilities include the Gösgen power plant on the Aare River, featuring five Kaplan turbines with a 50.8 MW capacity and annual output of about 300 GWh; it was rebuilt between 1997 and 2000 after initial construction in 1917. The Flumenthal plant, operational since 1970 with a capacity upgraded to 27 MW, incorporated a 480-meter fish ladder in 2025 to facilitate upstream fish passage and restore river connectivity. Similarly, the Ruppoldingen facility, equipped with two propeller turbines, delivers 23 MW and 115 GWh per year. Pumped-storage operations are exemplified by the Nant de Drance plant, commissioned in 2022 with a 900 MW capacity and 20 million kWh storage equivalent to powering 400,000 electric vehicles for one full charge. Smaller plants, such as Le Bayet in the acquired in 2008 and Tannuwald with a capacity expanded to 6.8 MW in recent upgrades yielding 22 GWh annually, contribute to diversified output. Alpiq also participates in major Alpine pumped-storage expansions, targeting an additional 1,200 MW in the coming years to enhance grid stability amid increasing renewable integration.

Thermal and Gas-Fired Plants

Alpiq's thermal power generation activities center on gas-fired facilities, which utilize combined cycle, open cycle, and technologies to produce and, in some cases, or . These emphasize operational flexibility to balance intermittent renewable sources, enabling rapid startup, load ramping, and participation in grid services such as frequency regulation. Alpiq has invested in upgrades to enhance and responsiveness, including adaptations completed in the mid-2010s at select sites and ongoing modifications as of 2025 to improve overall plant performance by approximately 1% in while adding flexible capacity. In , Alpiq fully owns the gas-fired combined cycle power plant in , commissioned in 2000 with a capacity of 403 MW electrical and 317 MW thermal output. Equipped with two GE F9E gas turbines and one GE steam , it generates around 500 GWh annually and supplies about 6-7% of the country's electricity needs, while also feeding the network. The facility provides ancillary services for grid balancing and has undergone modernizations to maintain competitiveness in gas-fired generation. Alpiq operates the Plana del Vent gas-fired combined cycle plant in Vandellòs, , approximately 130 km southwest of , featuring a 400 MW module (Unit 2) that covers the annual consumption of roughly 140,000 households. This asset supports flexible production in the Iberian market, aligning with regional demands for dispatchable power amid growing renewables penetration. In , Alpiq manages several gas-fired installations totaling around 550 MW, integrated into its broader 770 MW generation portfolio that includes renewables. The combined cycle plant in province, developed through affiliate En Plus and operational since 2011, delivers approximately 400 MW with a net efficiency of 55%; it has received upgrades for enhanced flexibility, including a turbine modification completed on October 2, 2025, by , positioning it as a key asset for local grid control and ancillary services. The Novel cogeneration plant in , with a 100 MW capacity and 51% Alpiq ownership, supplies electricity and steam to the adjacent Radici Chimica facility, selling surplus power into the Italian market via Alpiq Energia Italia. Complementing these, the 50 MW open-cycle gas turbine plant in offers high maneuverability for short-term peaking and reserve power.

Renewable and Emerging Energy Projects

Alpiq operates a portfolio of solar photovoltaic installations primarily in , with several projects acquired in 2018. The Società Agricola Solar Farm 4 in Naro, , spans 33 hectares and generates 13.5 GWh annually from an 8.4 MW capacity, commissioned in 2011. Similarly, Società Agricola Solar Farm 2, distributed across multiple sites in including Cammarata and San Michele Ganzaria, produces 7 GWh yearly from 5.19 MW, also operational since 2011. In , Alpiq is advancing high-altitude solar initiatives to leverage optimal irradiation; the Belalp Solar project in covers 73,000 square meters and targets 12 GWh per year, with a building application planned for 2025. Other planned Swiss projects include Engadin Solar in , Graubünden (14.5 MWp, 19 GWh annually, completion by 2028), Grimentz in (10.5 MWp), Prafleuri (14 GWh/year), and Gondosolar in Gondo (18 GWh/year). Alpiq's wind power assets span , contributing to variable renewable integration. In , key facilities include Rocca Rossa in (84 MW from 42 turbines, operational since 2011), Ennese near (70.5 MW from 47 turbines, since 2006), and Cattolica Eraclea (40 MW from 20 turbines, since 2011). French sites feature Roussas-Gravières near (10.5 MW, 21 GWh/year, acquired 2008) and Cers near (11.5 MW, acquired 2010). In , Le Peuchapatte in the Jura generates 13.5 GWh annually since 2011, while the Tormoseröd wind park in , inaugurated on September 18, 2024, delivers 72.6 MW and 220 GWh yearly, sufficient for approximately 8,000 households. Planned expansions in , such as Bel Coster (27 MW) and Tous-Vents (21-28 MW) in , aim to bolster domestic capacity. In emerging technologies, Alpiq invests in battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enhance grid flexibility and renewable curtailment avoidance. A 100 MW / 200 MWh project in was acquired to support renewable integration and stability. Another acquisition includes a 125 MW BESS in Haapajärvi, , slated for commissioning in 2027. These assets complement Alpiq's by storing excess generation for . Alpiq pursues and e-fuels production to decarbonize industry and transport. In , a majority stake in P2X Solutions enabled the Harjavalta plant's 20 MW commissioning in February 2025, yielding and synthetic . Swiss initiatives include Freienbach (10 MW , ~1,200 tonnes /year, avoiding 14,000 tonnes CO2 annually, in partnership with Hydrogen Höfe Freienbach AG) and Gerlafingen (30 MW from 2027, ~4,700 tonnes /year with Stahl Gerlafingen). European efforts encompass HyMove in (low-carbon , 2026 target), H2 Laguna in Italy's (10 MW electrolyser for mobility decarbonization), and H2 Murcia in (10 MW PV-powered electrolyser). These projects leverage renewable surplus for , targeting sectors resistant to .

Trading, Marketing, and Services

Electricity Trading and Marketing

Alpiq conducts proprietary trading as a core component of its operations, optimizing its generation assets and providing services to other producers across European markets. The company trades standardized products such as baseload, peak, and off-peak , alongside spreads and European or Asian options, while offering structured solutions including tailored contracts with indexed or fixed and swaps. These activities encompass intraday, day-ahead, spot, and forward markets, enabling portfolio hedging against volatility and flexibility trading through virtual power , storage, and swing options. Alpiq sells from its own as well as third-party sources via efficient trading platforms, contributing to supply security in through participation in exchanges like the (EEX). In electricity marketing, Alpiq supplies power to industrial and customers under various models, including long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and customized origination services that secure price benefits and reliable coverage. For instance, in , the company delivers over 5 TWh of annually to large industrial clients, leveraging cross-Alpine transmission . A notable example is a 15-year PPA signed in 2025 with Q Energy , covering approximately 345 GWh from 2026 to 2040 to support renewable integration. These efforts extend origination services like risk and portfolio management to business-to- clients, facilitating access to intraday, spot, and forward markets throughout . Alpiq's trading and marketing emphasize flexibility to accommodate renewable variability, with services such as dispatching and white-label solutions enhancing grid stability and revenue optimization for partners. In , these operations supported an adjusted net revenue of CHF 6,365.7 million for the group, reflecting contributions from trading amid fluctuating European prices, though specific trading volumes are integrated into broader activities without isolated disclosure in public reports. The company's presence spans countries including , , , and the , where it handles middle-office, scheduling, and risk processes for traded volumes.

Energy Optimization and Flexibility Services

Alpiq offers energy optimization services primarily through independent portfolio for industrial companies and energy suppliers, focusing on achieving balanced risk/reward profiles in volatile markets. These services encompass asset trading to maximize the value of generation assets, including and plants, by leveraging and hedging strategies. Alpiq employs advanced tools, such as the Gurobi solver, to enhance in its hydroelectric facilities, enabling precise scheduling of water releases and operations to align with market demands and hydrological conditions. Flexibility services form a core component of Alpiq's offerings, designed to facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable sources like solar and into the grid by providing dispatchable capacity and storage solutions. This includes , origination, and the trading of flexibility products, allowing clients to buy, sell, or electricity volumes in response to real-time grid needs. Alpiq defines flexibility as the capacity to ramp up production, curtail output, or store excess during periods of surplus or , supported by its portfolio of pumped storage hydropower, adaptable gas-fired plants, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). To bolster these capabilities, Alpiq has pursued strategic acquisitions of BESS assets across ; for example, in March 2025, it acquired a 125 MW BESS project to deliver ancillary services and frequency regulation, while in November 2024, it purchased a 100 MW BESS development in northern to enhance grid stability amid rising renewable penetration. These investments align with Alpiq's broader strategy, which has demonstrated financial benefits even in less volatile markets, as evidenced by positive performance reported in February 2025. By adapting existing gas plants for rapid start-stop cycles and expanding storage, Alpiq positions itself as a key enabler of resilience.

International Market Presence

Alpiq maintains a significant presence in European energy markets beyond , primarily through trading, marketing, and optimization services, with selective investments in generation assets. The company operates in key countries including , , , the , , , and the Nordic region, leveraging cross-border infrastructure and local subsidiaries to facilitate and gas trading, , and flexibility services. In , Alpiq has supplied and gas to consumers since 2002 and expanded to households in 2021, serving over 50,000 clients with a focus on transparency and localized service. The company acquired a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project with 200 MWh capacity in in 2024, slated for operation in autumn 2026, to enhance flexibility in trading and grid services. Germany represents a core market for Alpiq's renewable energy marketing, where it operates as one of the largest direct marketers of renewables, supported by a team of approximately 40 specialists dedicated to origination and sales. In Italy, Alpiq has been active for decades, marking 25 years of operations through Alpiq Energia Italia since 1999; it manages a 770 MW portfolio comprising 220 MW renewables and 550 MW gas-fired capacity, generating 2,500 GWh annually, with recent upgrades to the Vercelli gas plant for improved flexibility in trading. The serves as a hub for Alpiq's cross-border trading in , where it ranks among the largest Swiss investors as of 2022 and expands its gas portfolio alongside electricity activities. In , operations date to 2002 via subsidiaries such as Alpiq Energy SE and Alpiq Kft., focusing on trading and supply. features Alpiq's management of the Plana del Vent combined-cycle plant in , alongside services for third-party asset optimization and market access. In the Nordic and Baltic regions, Alpiq has established subsidiaries in , , and to provide trading, optimization, and flexibility solutions, including a 30 MW BESS project in , , operational in the second half of 2025, and a 54.9% stake in P2X Solutions' 20 MW facility in Harjavalta, operational since February 2025. These international efforts support Alpiq's broader strategy of hedging price risks, optimizing portfolios, and integrating renewables across European interconnected markets.

Financial Performance

Historical Financial Overview

Alpiq was established in through the merger of Atel Holding AG and Holding AG, creating a unified Swiss energy group focused on generation, trading, and distribution assets primarily in and . The merger involved adjustments to acquired assets, integrating , nuclear, and trading operations to enhance market competitiveness amid post-2008 volatility in energy commodities. Early financial performance reflected consolidation efforts, with revenues stabilizing in the mid-single-digit billions of CHF amid regulatory changes and European liberalization of energy markets, though specific pre-2020 figures highlight sensitivity to wholesale price fluctuations and trading volumes. The company's financials demonstrate pronounced cyclicality driven by global energy dynamics, including low prices in the followed by spikes from geopolitical events. Net revenue expanded from CHF 3,905 million in 2020 to a peak of CHF 14,631 million in , fueled by elevated European gas and electricity prices amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, before contracting to CHF 6,643 million in as markets normalized. EBITDA mirrored this, dipping to a negative CHF 77 million in 2021 due to margin pressures and hedging outcomes, then surging to CHF 1,806 million in 2023 from optimized trading and flexible generation.
YearNet Revenue (CHF million)EBITDA (CHF million)Net Profit (CHF million)
20203,90528299
20217,177-77-271
202214,631346111
20238,9591,8061,336
20246,6431,387943
Adjusted metrics, excluding non-operating items like impairments and disposals, underscore operational resilience, with adjusted EBITDA reaching CHF 962 million in despite revenue decline, supported by flexibility services and asset optimization. Net debt converted to net cash positions strengthened post-2022, rising to CHF 428 million in cash by , bolstering for investments.

Recent Earnings and Metrics ()

Alpiq's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) demonstrated significant volatility in the , driven by fluctuating wholesale prices and trading opportunities amid the European following Russia's 2022 invasion of . In 2020, adjusted EBITDA stood at CHF 262 million, reflecting stable but low-margin operations in a pre-crisis . This figure increased modestly to CHF 312 million in , supported by higher production volumes and initial market tightening. By 2022, adjusted EBITDA rose sharply to CHF 473 million, benefiting from elevated trading spreads and flexibility services demand. The peak occurred in 2023 at CHF 1,184 million, fueled by optimized power plant utilization and robust international trading amid sustained high prices. In 2024, adjusted EBITDA declined to CHF 962.4 million as markets normalized, though remaining above pre-2022 levels due to ongoing focus on and flexibility offerings. Net revenue followed a similar trajectory, expanding from CHF 3,905 million in 2020 to a high of CHF 14,631 million in 2022 before contracting to CHF 8,959 million in 2023 and CHF 6,366 million (adjusted) in 2024. attributable to equity investors fluctuated from CHF 99 million in 2020 and a loss of CHF 271 million in 2021—impacted by impairments and lower margins—to profits of CHF 111 million in 2022, CHF 1,336 million in 2023, and CHF 606 million (adjusted) in 2024. These results excluded non-operating effects such as one-time trading gains and impairment reversals, providing a clearer view of core performance. Key financial metrics over the period are summarized below:
YearNet Revenue (CHF million)Adjusted EBITDA (CHF million) (CHF million, adjusted where noted)
20203,90526299
20217,177312-271
202214,631473111
20238,9591,1841,336
20246,366 (adjusted)962606 (adjusted)
Alpiq maintained a strong , achieving a net cash position of CHF 1.3 billion by end-2023 and sustaining high liquidity into 2024, with an of 58.3%. This financial resilience supported dividends, including an extraordinary payout in 2023, and investments in asset optimization despite market headwinds. In the first half of 2025, adjusted EBITDA reached CHF 398 million on net of CHF 3,157 million, indicating continued operational stability amid moderating volatility.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Low-Carbon Energy Contributions and Achievements

Alpiq's low-carbon contributions primarily derive from its longstanding operations, which form the backbone of its generation portfolio and have supplied carbon-free electricity in for over 100 years. The company's assets encompass an installed capacity of approximately 3,300 megawatts, producing more than 5 terawatt-hours annually, making the dominant renewable source in its activities. Alpiq also maintains a diversified portfolio of sources, including and photovoltaic installations, with services dedicated to managing stochastic renewables like farms and solar systems to optimize their integration into . In addition to traditional renewables, Alpiq's low-carbon assets include generation, which, alongside , yields significantly lower intensity than natural gas-based electricity. The company participates in large-scale pumped storage projects in the , slated to deliver an additional 1,200 megawatts of flexible capacity to support grid stability amid rising renewable intermittency. These efforts align with Alpiq's strategy to provide system flexibility, enabling the accommodation of variable and solar output through complementary assets like adaptable facilities. Alpiq advances decarbonization via emerging low-carbon technologies, including development of and synthetic fuels (e-fuels) production projects in and to displace fossil-based alternatives in hard-to-abate sectors. In 2024, it commissioned a 30-megawatt/36-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) for grid balancing, with delivery scheduled for summer 2025, enhancing renewable curtailment avoidance and peak shaving. The company has pledged net-zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2040, embedding climate targets into operations while generating low-carbon power, offering flexibility services, and facilitating green trading to bolster the broader .

Environmental Challenges and Criticisms

Alpiq's operations, particularly its combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants, generate the majority of its Scope 1 , accounting for 99.9% of direct emissions primarily from CO2 and . These facilities, essential for providing flexibility to integrate intermittent renewables, have drawn criticism for perpetuating dependence amid Switzerland's decarbonization goals, with environmental groups opposing new gas infrastructure due to its incompatibility with net-zero targets. Alpiq acknowledges this tension, stating that gas is not a long-term decarbonization solution but necessary for grid stability, while committing to emissions reductions through efficiency measures and eventual phase-out aligned with policy shifts. In 2023, total emissions from these plants decreased due to lower utilization, remaining compliant with European and local standards, yet the company's strategy continues to prioritize operational flexibility over immediate . Historical involvement in nuclear fuel dealings has also prompted environmental scrutiny. In 2010, criticized Alpiq for business ties to Russia's facility, a site marred by major accidents including the 1957 and ongoing from waste dumping into nearby lakes and rivers, arguing that such partnerships exposed shareholders to ethical and environmental risks without adequate transparency. Alpiq's stakes in Swiss nuclear plants like Gösgen and Beznau contribute negligible environmental doses, staying below legal limits, but broader nuclear lifecycle concerns, including , persist in public discourse. Hydropower assets, comprising a core low-carbon segment, face challenges from climate-induced glacier retreat, which threatens long-term water inflows to like those in the , potentially reducing output by altering seasonal flows. Mitigation efforts include fish ladders at facilities such as Flumenthal to restore river connectivity and offset ecological fragmentation from dams, alongside environmental impact assessments for new projects like Gornerli. However, Swiss hydropower generally encounters criticism for habitat disruption and sediment trapping, with Alpiq addressing these through compensatory projects, though broader debates question the scalability of hydro amid risks and losses. Overall, Alpiq's emissions footprint remains low relative to global peers, but reliance on transitional fossil assets and legacy nuclear exposures underscore tensions between and environmental imperatives.

Contractual and Shareholder Disputes

In 2019, Alpiq and Construction initiated parallel proceedings in over post-closing purchase price adjustments related to Alpiq's sale of its engineering services business, Les Services d'Ingénierie Alpiq SA, to for approximately EUR 300 million. claimed up to EUR 300 million in adjustments and damages, which Alpiq contested as unsubstantiated. The dispute was settled out of court in December 2020, with Alpiq agreeing to pay CHF 54.5 million (equivalent to EUR 49.4 million), concluding the proceedings without admission of liability. Alpiq has also faced disputes over long-term energy supply contracts. In a case against Poland's PGE, a Swiss in 2012 ordered PGE to pay Alpiq EUR 43 million plus interest for breaching a power delivery agreement, a ruling upheld on appeal. Conversely, in 2024, Alpiq reached an out-of-court settlement with Swiss WWZ over a long-term , involving a one-time payment of CHF 50 million by Alpiq to resolve claims related to contract terms and performance. Internationally, Alpiq pursued investment treaty claims against under the via ICSID (Case No. ARB/14/28), alleging unlawful termination by state-owned Hidroelectrica of two long-term electricity supply contracts valued at over USD 450 million in lost profits. The rejected Romania's jurisdictional objections but dismissed Alpiq's damages claims in a November 2018 award, finding no compensable breach despite acknowledging the terminations' context in Hidroelectrica's proceedings. Alpiq's 2019 annulment application was denied in August 2023, confirming the outcome in Romania's favor. Shareholder disputes centered on Alpiq's 2019 public-to-private transaction, where a including CSA Energie-Infrastruktur acquired 89.94% of shares for CHF 110 per share but fell short of the 90% threshold for compulsory under Swiss law. The proceeded with a merger, prompting minority shareholders and Merion Capital to file compensation review proceedings in September 2020, demanding minimum valuations of CHF 140 and CHF 130 per share, respectively, citing undervaluation based on independent appraisals. Alpiq defended the original price as fair, supported by auditor reports. The dispute with Merion was settled out of in February 2023 on undisclosed terms, while Knight Vinke's claims contributed to ongoing tensions over and delisting.

Project-Specific Criticisms and Regulatory Conflicts

Alpiq's Gornerli pumped-storage hydropower project in , aimed at enhancing Switzerland's seasonal electricity storage capacity by approximately 1 TWh annually, has drawn criticism from local stakeholders, including mountain guides in , who argue that construction activities and infrastructure could disrupt alpine tourism, hiking routes, and scenic landscapes essential to the region's . Alpiq has acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing mitigation measures such as minimized land disturbance and environmental impact assessments, though opponents maintain that the project's scale—encompassing reservoirs and tunnels—poses irreversible risks to and visual integrity in protected alpine zones. The company's alpine solar initiatives, including the 18 MW Gondosolar project featuring vertical bifacial photovoltaic panels on a 10-hectare site at elevations above 2,000 meters, have similarly provoked tensions over landscape alteration and ecological effects. Proponents, including Alpiq, highlight the project's potential to generate 23.3 million kWh yearly—roughly double the output per square meter of lowland equivalents due to high and cold temperatures—but critics cite risks to fragile high-altitude ecosystems, , and the industrialization of pristine vistas, fueling broader Swiss debates on balancing renewable expansion with laws. Regulatory hurdles have compounded these project challenges, with Switzerland's Federal Act on the Protection of the Environment and Spatial Planning imposing strict zoning restrictions on alpine developments, resulting in multi-year delays for Alpiq's renewable proposals like Gondosolar and Prafleuri. In response, Alpiq supported amendments to the Energy Act passed by the Federal Assembly on September 26, 2025, which streamline permitting for and solar projects in protected areas by prioritizing security-of-supply needs, though environmental groups have contested the changes as weakening safeguards against . No formal regulatory violations have been adjudicated against Alpiq in these instances, but the conflicts underscore ongoing friction between accelerated decarbonization goals and Switzerland's decentralized cantonal oversight, which often amplifies local opposition.

Strategy and Future Outlook

Current Strategic Priorities

Alpiq's strategic priorities emphasize delivering flexibility to systems, enabling the integration of variable renewables like and solar into grids across . This approach leverages the company's core assets in Swiss and gas-fired plants for rapid response to supply-demand imbalances, while expanding into battery energy storage systems (BESS) and to enhance grid stability and decarbonization. In 2024, Alpiq confirmed its focus on these areas as central to operational performance, even amid declining energy market volatility. Key investments underscore this priority, including the acquisition of a 30 MW BESS project in (operational in 2025) and a 100 MW/200 MWh BESS in northern (operational in 2026), alongside a majority stake in P2X Solutions in for and synthetic fuels production. These assets aim to capitalize on growing demand for dispatchable power and ancillary services, supporting renewable penetration without compromising security of supply. Alpiq anticipates continued expansion in flexible capacities across , , , and Nordic markets in 2025. Sustainability targets align with these efforts, with a commitment to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, primarily addressing emissions from gas-fired operations in , , and through efficiency upgrades, such as optimizations at the plant. Implementation in 2025 will prioritize the Assets, Trading, and Origination segments to sustain financial resilience, backed by CHF 3.6 billion in facilities and net cash reserves exceeding CHF 600 million as of mid-2025.

Investments in Flexibility and Decarbonization

Alpiq has prioritized investments in flexible energy assets to support the integration of intermittent renewable sources like and solar, thereby facilitating broader decarbonization efforts across Europe's power systems. Key components include expansions in battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped-storage , and adaptable gas-fired generation, which enable rapid response to grid fluctuations and reduce curtailment of renewables. These initiatives align with Alpiq's to enhance system reliability while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels over time, as outlined in its 2024 annual report. In 2025, Alpiq acquired a 100 MW BESS project in northern France from Harmony Energy France, aimed at providing grid-balancing services, frequency regulation, and renewable integration to bolster flexibility in a region with growing variable generation. This acquisition forms part of a broader European BESS portfolio expansion, leveraging Alpiq's hydropower expertise to stack multiple revenue streams such as energy arbitrage and ancillary services. Similarly, investments in pumped-storage hydropower, which constitutes a core of Alpiq's renewable assets, allow for efficient storage and dispatch of excess renewable output, contributing to over 80% CO2-free energy generation in its portfolio. To complement renewables without full displacement of thermal capacity, Alpiq is existing gas-fired for enhanced flexibility, enabling faster startups, load ramping, and operation at lower minimum outputs to backstop variable generation. These adaptations, implemented as of July 2025, position gas assets as transitional tools that reduce overall system emissions by optimizing renewable utilization, though they continue to produce CO2 during operation. Alpiq's 2024 sustainability report emphasizes that such flexibility investments accelerate decarbonization by stabilizing grids and enabling higher renewable penetration, supporting the company's net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions target by 2040.

Risks and Energy Security Considerations

Switzerland's electricity supply security poses significant challenges for Alpiq, given the country's heavy reliance on cross-border and limited domestic balancing capacity. Alpiq CEO Antje Kanngiesser stated in January 2025 that without an electricity agreement with the , access to rapid-response balancing —essential for grid stability during outages or peaks—remains restricted, endangering supply reliability irrespective of generation mix. This vulnerability stems from Switzerland's impending exclusion from the EU's internal by the end of 2025, potentially triggering shortages starting in 2026, as the nation imports substantial winter power while exporting summer surpluses. Nuclear facilities, which Alpiq helps operate, face periodic overhauls lasting 4-6 weeks or unplanned downtime, necessitating immediate imports that current bilateral arrangements inadequately provide. The of expanding renewables like and solar further strains system flexibility, as evidenced by Europe's record renewable surpluses in spring 2025, which underscore the need for dispatchable backups amid Alpiq's push for accelerated permitting of hydro and storage projects to bolster domestic reserves. Geopolitical tensions, including potential Russian gas disruptions via , compound these issues, given Switzerland's indirect dependence on imported fuels without large-scale storage. Cybersecurity threats represent a acute operational risk, with Kanngiesser warning in 2022 of "devastating consequences" from attacks on power , particularly during high-demand periods when redundancies are stretched. Despite investments in and upgrades, absolute prevention remains impossible, potentially cascading into nationwide blackouts. Physical risks, assessed via tools like MunichRe's under IPCC scenarios, identify flooding and landslides as primary hazards to Alpiq's 126 asset locations, threatening infrastructure damage and production halts over medium- to long-term horizons. In trading and production, Alpiq contends with financial volatility from swings and collateral demands; for instance, 2022's extreme market turbulence doubled adjusted net revenue but spiked security payments for hedged volumes. Geopolitical events persisted into 2024, fostering nervous markets despite lower overall , while transition risks from decarbonization policies could elevate compliance costs and erode demand for gas-fired assets, though Alpiq's flexibility portfolio mitigates some exposure.

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  63. https://www.alpiq.com/energy/assets/hydropower/ruppoldingen-run-of-river-power-plant
  64. https://www.alpiq.com/energy/assets/hydropower/le-bayet-small-scale-hydropower-plant
  65. https://www.alpiq.com/newsroom/media-releases/capacity-increase-of-the-tannuwald-hydropower-plant
  66. https://www.alpiq.com/newsroom/news-stories/flexible-gas-generation-for-integrating-renewable-energies
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  69. https://www.ansaldoenergia.com/about-us/media-center/power-generation-news-insights/detail-news/ansaldo-energia-successfully-completes-the-upgrade-of-alpiqs-san-severo-power-plant
  70. https://www.alpiq.com/energy/assets/solar-energy
  71. https://www.alpiq.com/energy/assets/wind-power
  72. https://fu-gen.com/fu-gen-and-alpiq-inaugurate-wind-park-tormoserod-a-landmark-for-renewable-energy-in-sweden/
  73. https://www.alpiq.com/newsroom/media-releases/strategic-focus-on-flexibility-alpiq-acquires-a-125-mw-bess
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