This project utilizes a multi-layer geospatial analysis approach to identify and evaluate suitable locations for wind energy development in Switzerland. By applying high-resolution, data-driven spatial analysis, the project aims to localize and quantify wind energy potential at a fine spatial scale, supporting the goals of Switzerland's Energiestrategie 2050.
Unlike static federal maps, this toolset enables scenario-based planning to estimate potential energy output under varying constraints. The approach is guided by the three pillars of sustainability:
- Environmental: Exclusion of legally protected and ecologically sensitive areas.
- Social: Implementation of buffer zones around developed areas to reflect local acceptance.
- Economic: Estimation of energy yield and site feasibility based on wind speed and topography.
The analysis is structured into four main stages:
- Base Layer - Wind Feasibility: Identifies areas where wind velocity at 150m above ground level exceeds thresholds for economic viability.
- Exclusion Zones: Filters out areas based on environmental (protected moorlands, UNESCO sites), geographic (steep slopes, high altitude), and social (residential buffers) constraints.
- Scenario-Based Filtering: Applies two distinct sets of constraints (Base vs. Conservative) to compare their impact on available land.
- Final Suitability and Yield: Generates high-potential wind energy maps and estimates annual energy yield per canton.
The model evaluates two primary scenarios based on varying technical and federal constraints:
| Parameter | Base Scenario | Conservative Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Buffer to Developed Areas | 500m | 700m |
| Buffer to Lakes | 200m | 400m |
| Buffer to Protected Areas | 200m | 500m |
| Maximum Slope | 20% | 17% |
| Maximum Altitude | 2500m | 2000m |
| Min. Average Wind Speed | 4.5 m/s | 5.0 m/s |
- R Language: Primary environment for spatial data processing.
- Terra & SF: For handling spatial raster and vector data.
- Tidyverse: For data manipulation and visualization.
- QGIS: Used for visual validation.
- Wind Velocity (150m): geo.admin.ch – BFE.
- Digital Elevation Model (DHM25): swisstopo.
- Protected Areas (Mire, AuLaV): BAFU.
- Developed Areas: ARE.
- Administrative Boundaries: swisstopo (swissBOUNDARIES3D).
The analysis identified significant differences in potential between the two scenarios:
- Base Scenario: Higher number of potential turbines and more optimistic electricity output (e.g., Zurich: ~1,315 turbines, ~8,000 GWh/year).
- Conservative Scenario: Significantly reduced potential due to stricter buffers and wind speed requirements (e.g., Zurich: ~396 turbines, ~2,400 GWh/year).
- Regional Leaders: Large cantons like Bern, Vaud, and Graubünden present the most substantial potential in both scenarios.
- Fadri Campell, Caroline Bachem, Laura Bernet, Silvan Schild
- Project Date: June 20, 2025