The Swiss environmental market stands as an economic pillar and a ground for innovation: cleantech represents about 5% of GDP (nearly 30 billion CHF) and more than 200,000 jobs. Driven by the climate emergency and an ambitious national strategy (Energy Strategy 2050 towards carbon neutrality), the country is accelerating its energy transition. The Confederation aims to multiply electricity production from renewable energies sixfold by 2035 (around 35 TWh compared to 6 TWh in 2022), while hydropower already provides more than half of the current electricity. At the same time, Switzerland demonstrates very advanced water and waste management, reflecting its culture of sustainability.
Opportunities and perspectives: Demand for low-carbon solutions is exploding, whether in new renewable energy capacities, energy storage, clean mobility, or building renovation. Numerous projects—sustainable construction, smart energy grids, optimized resource management—offer real growth prospects, all encouraged by an incentive regulatory framework.
Beyond energy, water and waste management remain crucial issues. Switzerland boasts one of the highest recycling rates in Europe (over 50% of urban waste is recycled) and hardly landfills anymore, favoring incineration with energy recovery. However, most plastics are still incinerated, prompting new efforts to improve their recycling. On the water side, despite efficient infrastructure, even Switzerland—often called the “water tower of Europe”—has experienced local shortages during recent droughts, encouraging investment in smarter resource management.
Whether in energy, water, or waste, French expertise in sustainable solutions is recognized, and this demanding market offers great opportunities for French companies able to be innovative and competitive in these fields.
Contact:
Emmanuel Galland
Ecological and Energy Transition Advisor
Business France
emmanuel.galland@businessfrance.fr