Swiss utility Alpiq has updated its corporate strategy to accelerate growth and expand its role in the European energy transition, with a stronger emphasis on flexible generation and storage infrastructure.
The company plans to increase investment in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and pumped hydro assets to respond to growing demand for dispatchable, low-emission electricity and grid-balancing services. Organisational changes are also planned to streamline operations and support expansion in core European markets.
Alpiq’s asset portfolio includes large-scale pumped hydro facilities, conventional hydropower plants, gas-fired generation and grid-scale battery storage. The company highlighted the role of Swiss hydropower as the foundation of its flexibility strategy, with assets such as the Grande Dixence complex continuing to provide seasonal storage and peak-load capability.
Pumped hydro, battery storage expansion
Alpiq said it will continue expanding its portfolio of flexible assets, targeting several gigawatts of additional BESS capacity across key European markets. Pumped hydro investments are also planned to strengthen grid stability and provide long-duration storage capacity as variable renewable generation increases.
At the same time, the company is upgrading existing hydropower and gas-fired power plants to improve operational performance and flexibility. Trading operations will remain a central element of the business, linking asset optimisation with customer demand and market access.
On the commercial side, Alpiq is expanding structured energy products, demand-side flexibility solutions and power purchase agreements. The company recently signed its first tolling agreements for third-party battery storage projects, allowing external assets to be integrated into its trading and optimisation platform.
Chief executive Antje Kanngiesser said the company’s investment strategy is focused on asset flexibility and customer-oriented solutions.
“We are investing specifically in our own flexible assets and innovative customer solutions, supported by excellent risk management and deep market expertise from trading. The successful implementation of recent years shows that flexibility is a powerful catalyst for the energy transition.”
She added that the company’s financial position provides capacity for continued investment: “This stability gives us the flexibility we need to achieve sustainable growth even in a dynamic market environment.”
Organisational restructuring planned for 2026
As part of the strategy rollout, Alpiq will restructure its business divisions from “Switzerland, Trading and International” to “Assets, Trading and Energy Solutions” with effect from 1 January 2026. The new structure is intended to align business units more closely with the value chain and project development activities.
The company confirmed workforce adjustments as part of the transformation. In Switzerland, between 40 and 45 positions are expected to be phased out over the next 12 to 24 months. At the same time, more than 100 new roles will be created across the group, including over 50 positions in Switzerland, primarily linked to project development and energy solutions activities.
