Bern drops fast-track plan for wind and solar parks

The Bern cantonal government will use the regular legislative process to set rules for large wind and solar parks, rather than fast-tracking them through an emergency ordinance. SRF reported that the original plan faced opposition from municipalities and the cantonal parliament.

The government had intended to introduce the rules by ordinance to speed up approvals. That would have left municipalities with little say at first. Under the new approach, they will be able to contribute during the consultation on the draft law.

“After the many negative responses, we decided to follow the normal legislative process,” said Aline Trede, the Green Party member of the cantonal government responsible for the issue. She acknowledged that passing a law takes time, but said involving municipalities could help prevent later delays, including during appeals.

In 2025, the federal parliament passed an acceleration decree requiring cantons to approve wind and solar energy projects more quickly. It also significantly shortened the route through cantonal courts.

Bern has Switzerland’s greatest potential for wind power, at around 7,000 gigawatt-hours a year. The canton aims to use about a third of that potential by 2050, equivalent to around 100 wind turbines by 2035. Sixteen turbines currently produce electricity in the canton.

Lucerne has already moved further with the decree: its government will decide on large wind projects after a referendum against the change failed. Trede said the result showed public support was possible when people were involved early, and said Bern needed direct dialogue and transparent communication.