Axpo, a Switzerland-based company that produces renewable energy, initiated the AlpinSolar project in 2020. As part of this project, almost 5,000 solar panels were installed on the — Lake Muttsee Dam —  sits at over 8,000 feet above sea level.

The solar panels deliver clean power to more than 600 homes, according to the company. Last year, Switzerland’s parliament streamlined the approval of new sustainable energy projects to help ensure a steady and reliable supply of power during the winter months, while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

Jeanette Schranz, communications lead for renewables at Axpo, told Reuters:

One of the qualities of alpine solar plants is that especially in winter they produce up to three times more electricity than a comparable facility in the midlands. Solar panels like the cold and have a higher yield in cooler temperatures.

Axpo now plans to expand its solar capacity in the country to over 1.2 gigawatts by 2030, which would be enough to power over 300,000 households. The company is expected to invest approximately CHF 1.5 billion to achieve this goal, which includes the installation of more solar plants on buildings, grounds in the Alps and residential areas, the company hopes to help Switzerland transition to a low-carbon economy.

In conclusion, it is heartening to see that more and more countries are embarking on sustainable energy projects with the goal of reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. The expansion of renewable energy capacity will help to address climate change and create a more sustainable future for all.