Abstract
<jats:p>The aim of this report is to analyse the role of base-load energy for the Swiss energy system and to discuss possible implications of the transformation to a largely CO2-free energy system with regard to base-load energy and the need for flexibility measures. In Switzerland today, some electricity consumption is already shifted from high to low tariff times (demand-side management (DSM)), although the amount of this load shifting is not recorded centrally and is therefore difficult to quantify. However, it can be assumed that the DSM potential utilised today represents only a (smaller) fraction of the flexibility required in the future for a supply based entirely on renewable energy in 2050. Therefore, it can be concluded that current DSM is not decisive for the energy transition. Today, there is sufficient base-load energy available in Switzerland in both winter and summer, with nuclear power plants and hydroelectric power plants generating most of the base-load en-ergy. In summer, the higher hydropower production over the course of the year and the lower base load enables the maintenance intervals of several weeks for the nuclear power plants with-out major problems.</jats:p>