WHILE SWITZERLAND SPINS ITS WHEELS IN A YOGURT-LIKE ENERGY TRANSITION, UZBEKISTAN BASKS IN THE SUN
Switzerland – the land of precision watches and discreet banking – seems to be moving at the speed of an asthmatic snail when it comes to renewable energy. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is charging ahead, fueled by sunshine and bold investment. Let’s take a quick tour... with just a touch of sarcasm? Of course not…
Switzerland: World Champion of… Energy Neutrality?
Once upon a time, Switzerland was famous for its legendary neutrality. These days, it seems to apply the same principle to its energy policy—somewhere between nuclear, hydroelectricity, and a gentle sprinkle of renewables just for show.
In April 2024, the European Court of Human Rights gave the Confederation a rap on the knuckles for its climate inaction. A historic first that left several Swiss politicians blushing, some shouting scandal, others suggesting Switzerland should just leave the Council of Europe altogether—because if you’re going to sulk, do it with style. And moderation, of course.
But is it really that serious, doctor? After all, winters in Switzerland aren’t that cold yet (thanks, Alps), there aren’t daily blackouts (thank you, hydro power), and general power cuts? Not yet (thanks, European neighbors who bail us out when things get dicey). So honestly, this whole energy transition business… do we actually care that much?
As long as the raclette melts properly, why get upset?
Alain Farrugia
Uzbekistan: From Desert Wasteland to Solar Eldorado
Meanwhile, over in Central Asia, Uzbekistan—formerly known for its vast, sun-scorched deserts and sauna-like climate—has decided to turn its geographic “curse” into an energy blessing. The country has launched an ambitious solar campaign, rolling out colossal projects that would make even the most seasoned Zurich property developer sweat with envy.
In October 2024, ACWA Power signed over $1.78 billion worth of renewable energy deals, including a $402 million financing package from the International Finance Corporation to support shiny new solar plants.
And that’s not all. Uzbekistan is also betting on... trash. Yes, trash. By turning 4.7 million tons of waste into 2.1 billion kWh of electricity by 2027, the country is proving that yes, you can literally power your homes with garbage.
They call it the circular economy. We call it clean and clever.
Switzerland’s Home-Grown Green Schizophrenia
Back in Switzerland, one might be tempted to think that green innovation is caught in a tug-of-war. On one side, the Greens demand 100% renewable energy—clean, local, sustainable, all the buzzwords. On the other, the federal planning department seems to live by the motto: “Nothing must ever change.”
No solar panels on the alpine meadows, no wind turbines in the Jura, and heaven forbid anything that might cast a shadow on our picture-postcard landscapes.
The result? A sort of policy schizophrenia. We want the energy transition… as long as we can’t see it, hear it, or—God forbid—install it anywhere near our precious chalets.
Comparisons Aren’t Always Fair, But Still...
While Uzbekistan positions itself as Central Asia’s solar energy front-runner, Switzerland continues to debate, consult, revise, object, re-calculate… and avoid taking real action. Because everything must, naturally, be done as fast as… well… okay, speed isn’t really a Swiss value. Let’s say: as slowly as possible.
Sure, Swiss landscapes are the most beautiful in the world, the universe, and probably other dimensions too—but maybe it’s time we put a few renewable energy installations out there?
Over highways, for instance? The land is already artificial, after all.
Meanwhile, our Uzbek friends didn’t wait for the sun to set before making moves. They’ve realized that sometimes, if you want to shine, you’ve got to step out of the shadows.
And while Switzerland continues to ponder between lunch breaks and espresso naps, Uzbekistan is out there producing. Electricity. Innovation. And maybe, just maybe, a head start on the rest of us.
Sources :
Le Monde – Inaction climatique : la Suisse condamnée
Reuters – Investissements ouzbeks dans le solaire
Reuters – Déchets-to-énergie en Ouzbékistan
https://uz.ambafrance.org/TOTAL-EREN-MET-EN-SERVICE-LA-CENTRALE-PHOTOVOLTAIQUE-DE-TUTLY-131-MWc
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