BKW plans to invest CHF250M (US$203M) over the next five years, which it said will help it address challenges including climate change and energy policy.

The increased push into renewables will see BKW launch a new subsidiary dedicated to developing the new projects, and which will hold the existing small hydro plants.

BKW’s renewables subsidiary is to be headed by Martin Pfisterer and Philippe Muller.

In addition to its ownership of seven hydro plants and partnering in 16, the company owns wind and solar power facilities and also has a nuclear power plant near Berne.