• GETEC is building two sustainable backup power plants in the Sisslerfeld development area
• The plants can supply up to 124,000 households with electricity from renewable energy in critical supply situations
• The Swiss Federal Office of Energy and GETEC have agreed on the project

Sisslerfeld, Switzerland, 14 May, 2025 – The Sisslerfeld, between Stein, Sisseln, Münchwilen, and Eiken, is becoming a strategic national electricity supply pillar. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (Bundesamt für Energie) confirmed the capacities of two reserve plants from GETEC. The two plants have a total capacity of 57 megawatts and will be built within the next three years.

“Our plants are based on proven technology, are sustainable and reliable,” said Urs Zimmerli, CEO, GETEC Switzerland. “We are providing an eighth of the 400 megawatts of total electrical output put out to tender.”

New reserve plants are necessary as the existing federal contracts expire in 2026. Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is the primary fuel, a renewable source that reduces CO₂ emissions by 90% compared to fossil fuels.

HVO is obtained from biogenic residues such as food fats, leftovers and animal waste. The supply is secured from European production, where 16.8 billion litres of HVO were produced last year. HVO is already available at filling stations in neighbouring countries, such as Austria and Italy. The quantities of HVO produced in Europe are proven to come from sustainable sources.

The existing infrastructure at GETEC PARK.STEIN is optimally utilised. This reduces the use of resources compared to new buildings on greenfield sites. The project supports the park’s ecosystem: it increases the attractiveness for new customers and ensures greater supply security.

GETEC sets high standards for noise. During operation, the noise level corresponds to an everyday conversation between two people. The planned noise protection measures ensure that the noise level falls below the strict standard values.

The locations are close to the central power grid hub near Laufenburg, indicating that the electrical power required in an emergency can be optimally fed in and distributed. The HVO systems can also start up and produce electricity flexibly in the event of a complete grid failure. Thanks to their modular design, they are fail-safe and expandable.

If necessary, Swissgrid can start the reserve systems using an instant signal. Even if the systems are only to be operated in an absolutely exceptional case to avert a nationwide blackout, the project is subject to the standard approval procedure, including the criteria applicable to regular operation.

Commissioning of the plant in Eiken is planned for the beginning of 2027, with the one in Stein following a year later.

About GETEC
GETEC is Europe's leading specialist for reliable, decarbonised energy and infrastructure solutions. With more than 3,100 dedicated employees at around 50 locations, we leverage our engineering, regulatory, and sustainability expertise to help our industrial and real estate customers navigate the complexities of the modern energy landscape while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Operating over 11,000 plants, the company has a broad decarbonised technology offering. GETEC develops, finances, and runs critical energy infrastructure and industrial parks across Europe through its regional platforms in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Benelux, Austria and Poland.