immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Energy

  • Compact heat storage system wins innovation award for energy solutions

    Compact heat storage system wins innovation award for energy solutions

    The international jury of the SET Award 2025 has chosen Cowa Thermal Solutions as the winner in the Clean Energy & Storage category. The SET Award promotes innovative ideas and solutions for a sustainable energy future and thus accelerates the energy transition.

    The competition is announced and organized worldwide by the German Energy Agency in cooperation with the World Energy Council. It is supported by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The award recognizes innovations that drive forward the global energy transition. The award ceremony took place as part of the SET Tech Festival 2025 in Berlin.

    As the organizers point out in a press release, Cowa is developing “compact heat storage systems with phase change materials that are five times smaller than water-based systems. With the aim of serving the growing European heat pump market, Cowa is improving the integration of renewable energy and urban energy efficiency.”

    In a press release issued by his company, which was founded in 2019 and is based in Technopark Lucerne, Cowa CEO Simon Maranda describes this award as “a great recognition of our work and commitment to innovative energy storage solutions. Our compact thermal energy storage systems are an ideal solution for integrating renewable heating systems, especially heat pumps, in urban buildings with limited space. We are proud to continue to drive this technology forward and play an active role in shaping the energy transition.”

    Once again this year, pioneering start-ups were honored in five categories: Clean Energy and Storage, Mobility & Transportation, Industry, Buildings & Construction and Access to Quality Energy & SDG-7. The winners of all five categories also presented their solutions at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue afterwards.

  • New data center strengthens digital infrastructure in Winterthur

    New data center strengthens digital infrastructure in Winterthur

    The data center operator NorthC Schweiz AG inaugurated its new data center in Winterthur on 20 March. The new data center is located on an area of around 1100 square meters in the Turm Areal. It will play a central role as a hub for regional data communication, according to a press release.

    The data center offers SMEs and large companies in the region individual colocation solutions, secure and direct cloud connections as well as guaranteed bandwidths and speeds for business applications. The connection to the data centers in Münchenstein BL and Biel is intended to ensure reliable connections to a large number of cloud and IT service providers.

    The data center currently has a capacity of 1.8 megawatts and is powered entirely by renewable energy. According to the press release, NorthC plans to use its 2030 strategy to initiate projects that will enable the waste heat generated in Winterthur to be put to good use in the future.

    According to Patrik Hofer, NorthC relies on regional data centers with an international reach. “With our regional approach, we can offer tailor-made solutions for the Winterthur region that meet the high standards of quality, security and sustainability,” the Managing Director Switzerland at NorthC is quoted as saying in the press release.

    According to Ralph Peterli, Managing Director of the Winterthur Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Association, Winterthur is already home to many leading technology companies. “It’s good to know that with NorthC, a regional company is offering stable and secure IT infrastructures on the city’s territory,” said Peterli, according to the press release.

    NorthC Switzerland is based in Biel and is a subsidiary of the NorthC Group based in Oude Meer in the Netherlands.

  • Online tool to simplify district heating expansion

    Online tool to simplify district heating expansion

    The cooperative Elektra Baselland(EBL) wants to accelerate the expansion of district heating with a new service, according to a press release. Wärmecheck.ch is a service that provides homeowners and companies with a quick answer to the question of whether their property can be connected to an EBL district heating network.

    wärmecheck.ch can be operated intuitively via the browser and is fully interactive. According to the information, users can navigate to all addresses located in EBL’s heat supply areas on a digital map on their desktop or smartphone. This means that the relevant information from publicly accessible data is available for each property. Registration is not necessary.

    If a connection is possible, wärmecheck.ch quickly and easily creates a non-binding model calculation or puts you in touch with an EBL contact person for personal clarification. If a connection is not possible at the time of the inquiry, interested parties are shown alternatives and given an overview of relevant information platforms.

    The background to this measure is EBL’s goal of creating more district heating networks. As EBL writes, information on connecting to district heating or on alternative heating options must be easily accessible to interested parties.

    The response to wärmecheck.ch should enable the energy supplier to respond specifically to demand from the population and businesses, to consolidate existing heating networks and to examine the development of further areas.

  • Intelligent energy management optimizes power consumption in buildings

    Intelligent energy management optimizes power consumption in buildings

    A predictive control algorithm developed by Empa optimizes energy management in buildings in such a way that security of supply is guaranteed throughout the entire energy system. Automated building systems communicate directly with energy providers and the power grid.

    According to a report by Empa, automated systems can optimize electricity consumption in such a way that both grid stability and consumer flexibility are guaranteed at all times. At the same time, energy surpluses are not necessarily stored locally, but fed into the power grid wherever possible so that demand can be met at all times.

    During the practical test by Empa’s Urban Energy Systems Lab in its NEST test building in Dübendorf, the focus was on reducing CO2 emissions, the flexibility of energy demand and the comfort of the residents. Using the predictive control algorithm, the team succeeded in optimizing energy management within the building with the following setup: a photovoltaic system for electricity production, a battery storage system, a heat pump and a bidirectional charging station for electric vehicles.

    The system reportedly reduced the building’s CO2 emissions by more than 10 percent. The building was able to communicate the consumption and feed-in of electricity in advance. “The experiment has therefore shown that the flexible availability of renewable energies is not a problem a priori,” says Empa.

    However, in order to implement these results on a large scale, buildings will have to be consistently digitalized in the future. The technology developed by scientist Federica Bellizio is to be brought to market by the start-up Kuafu. She was recently awarded the Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship for her work.

  • Bern-Wabern heating network promotes energy transition and CO2 reduction

    Bern-Wabern heating network promotes energy transition and CO2 reduction

    The energy company Energie Wasser Bern(ewb) and the municipality of Köniz want to make a contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and achieving the climate policy goals of Köniz and Bern with the Bern-Wabern energy network, according to a press release.

    The ewb Board of Directors decided to build the Bern-Wabern heating network on March 7, 2025, based on the “great interest” of the population as determined by a survey. Construction of the production facilities is scheduled to start in 2027. The first heat supply is expected from 2028.

    Specifically, the heat production concept envisages using the energy from surplus water from the Schönau pumping station for thermal use. The production facilities will be installed in the existing heating center of the Morillon residential complex on Bondelistrasse.

    With the cooperation agreement that has now been signed, the heating and cooling supply in Wabern will be the responsibility of ewb, which is also responsible for the operational and financial responsibility for the construction.

    The heating network could help to promote the energy transition and climate protection. The sustainable energy project will create a replacement for many oil and gas heating systems in Wabern and the neighboring districts of Bern. “In densely built-up areas, a heating network is often the only solution for heating buildings with renewable energy in a CO2-free and economical way,” says Hansueli Pestalozzi, a local councillor in Köniz.

  • Rhine water and waste heat as an energy source for the heating network

    Rhine water and waste heat as an energy source for the heating network

    The electricity supplier AEW Energie AG, based in Aarau, is investing over 8 million Swiss francs in the new Augst BL heating network, according to a press release. This will replace the existing AEW contracting plant in Pratteln BL, which is fuelled by wood pellets and oil. The planning application for the heating network, which will run on 100 per cent renewable energy, has been submitted. The first heat supply is scheduled for the 2025/26 heating period.

    The heating centre will be built in the machine hall of the Augst power plant and will use the waste heat from the power plant generators and Rhine water as heat sources. The waste heat from the generators is currently discharged unutilised into the Rhine. With this combination, a reliable and sustainable heat supply can be guaranteed, according to AEW. Three heat storage tanks, each with a capacity of 16,000 litres, serve to compensate for fluctuations and ensure a constant supply.

    The heat is distributed to the connected buildings via a district heating network that is around 1.3 kilometres long. According to the press release, a total thermal output of 2 megawatts will be provided, with a planned annual heat output of 4,400 megawatt hours in the final stage of expansion. Compared to fossil heating systems, this corresponds to a reduction of around 1200 tonnes of CO2 per year.

    According to the press release, AEW began developing heat supply systems in the early 1990s. The first heating network was put into operation 30 years ago in the municipality of Möhlin. Today, AEW operates 75 heating networks and contracting plants for heating and cooling in the canton of Aargau and neighbouring cantons. The current production capacity is over 230 gigawatt hours per year and avoids the emission of around 55,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

  • Buildings contribute to grid stability

    Buildings contribute to grid stability

    The transformation of the energy sector brings challenges. Renewable energies such as photovoltaics do not provide a constant supply of electricity, but are subject to weather conditions and times of day. The power supply must therefore become more flexible in order to utilise production peaks and compensate for bottlenecks. This is precisely where automated building systems come in. They control consumption and feed-in intelligently and reduce the load on the grid.

    Predictive control for maximum efficiency
    An innovative algorithm developed by Empa analyses energy availability and user behaviour in order to optimally control energy consumption. For example, surplus solar energy is prioritised or stored instead of overloading the grid. At the same time, comfort is maintained. Hot water or heating are available exactly when they are needed.

    Successful practical test in the NEST building
    The algorithm was tested under real conditions in a pilot project in Empa’s NEST building. A photovoltaic system, battery storage, a heat pump and a charging station for electric vehicles were used. The results show that CO2 emissions were reduced by more than 10 per cent without compromising user comfort. The building was also able to communicate independently with the grid in order to absorb peak loads.

    Digitalisation as a prerequisite for scalable solutions
    The study shows that intelligent energy control is a key building block for a sustainable energy future. In order for such solutions to be used across the board, consistent digitalisation is required. At the same time, it must be ensured that the IT infrastructure remains sustainable. Empa researchers are therefore already investigating ways of using old smartphones as control units for building automation.

    The future of energy supply lies in the networking of intelligent systems. Through predictive management, buildings can not only cover their own energy requirements, but also actively contribute to grid stability.

  • Thurgau bank opts for solar energy in Arbon

    Thurgau bank opts for solar energy in Arbon

    Thurgauer Kantonalbank(TKB) has installed a new photovoltaic system on the roof of its branch in Arbon. According to a press release, the new 500 square metre system is the largest that the bank has put into operation. It is expected to supply around 105,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This corresponds to the annual consumption of 21 households.

    The electricity produced on the roof will primarily be used for the operation of the branch. Depending on demand, it will cover between 25 and 40 per cent of the bank branch’s energy requirements, according to the press release. The solar system will also supply three charging stations for electric cars in the neighbouring underground car park of the Novaseta shopping centre. Any surplus electricity generated will also be fed into the public grid.

    With the new system, TKB wants to emphasise its commitment to sustainable and renewable energy and reduce local CO2 emissions.

  • Municipality of Thalwil relies on district heating with new heat supply

    Municipality of Thalwil relies on district heating with new heat supply

    Wärme Thalwil AG was founded in February 2025 to provide the population with a climate-friendly district heating supply. According to a press release, the company is the result of a collaboration between the municipality of Thalwil and Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich(EKZ). Thalwil holds a 49 per cent stake in the new company and EKZ holds 51 per cent. The foundation was preceded by a referendum in September 2024, in which 79.8 per cent of voters voted in favour of the new company.

    “By founding Wärme Thalwil AG, we are sending a clear signal in favour of a resource-conserving and climate-friendly heat supply in our municipality,” said Andy Fellmann, municipal engineer of Thalwil, in the press release. “In addition, the collaboration between the municipality and EKZ allows synergies to be utilised and the existing infrastructure to be developed efficiently.”

    Martin Nicklas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wärme Thalwil AG and Head of Energy Solutions and Energy Contracting at EKZ, states that the aim of the new company is to supply 3,000 residents with sustainable heat. The next step is to create an additional heating network, a decision on which is to be made in 2026.

  • What really counts with water softeners

    What really counts with water softeners

    Limescale in tap water leads to numerous problems. It reduces the energy efficiency of appliances, shortens the service life of sanitary installations and increases the consumption of soaps and detergents. In many regions of Switzerland, particularly on the Central Plateau and in the Jura Arc, the water contains high levels of limescale, which is why hundreds of thousands of buildings are already equipped with water softening systems.

    How does water softening work?
    Water softening removes calcium and magnesium ions from the water. This is the only way to effectively prevent limescale residues and reduce the consumption of washing substances. There are various methods, including physical methods that merely convert the limescale without removing it. These methods are often ineffective and cannot fulfil consumer expectations.

    Ion-exchange process
    The ion-exchange process has proven itself in building technology. It efficiently removes limescale from drinking water by passing the water through tanks containing ion exchange resin. The calcium and magnesium ions stick to the resin and are replaced by sodium ions. This process is safe and economical in terms of salt consumption, as modern systems minimise the amount of salt required.

    Physical methods often ineffective
    Physical descaling methods attempt to convert the limescale into a form that does not form deposits. However, these methods do not actually soften the water. Studies have shown that such methods often do not achieve the desired effect. Reputable providers can prove their effectiveness with a test certificate in accordance with W512 from the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water.

    Rely on established methods
    If you want to install a water softening system, you should rely on proven methods such as ion exchange. This technology is well researched and offers proven results. Physical processes, on the other hand, are often ineffective and can disappoint consumers’ expectations. It is important to check the water hardness before and after installing a system to ensure that softening is actually taking place.

  • More and more households are storing electricity

    More and more households are storing electricity

    The demand for electricity storage systems in Germany and Switzerland is growing rapidly. More and more households with photovoltaic systems are opting for battery storage systems to store surplus energy. According to the German Solar Industry Association, around 580,000 new home storage systems were installed in 2024, bringing the total number to around 1.8 million.

    One of the main reasons for this development is the ability to use self-generated solar power more efficiently. Without storage, only around 20 % of the electricity generated is consumed directly. With a battery storage system, self-consumption increases to up to 80 %, which reduces electricity costs in the long term.

    Economic and technical aspects
    The cost of battery storage systems has fallen by 75 % in the last ten years. A typical system with a capacity of 10 kWh costs between 7,000 and 12,000 euros. The cost-effectiveness depends on the size of the solar system, the self-consumption rate and the electricity prices. Subsidy programmes can also make the investment more attractive.

    A storage system usually amortises after 10 to 15 years. Modern lithium-ion batteries last around 15 to 20 years, which justifies the investment in the long term.

    Benefits for electromobility and the energy system
    Battery storage systems also support electromobility. Electric car owners can charge their vehicles with their own solar power, which is particularly beneficial at night. This flexibility helps to stabilise the electricity grid and promotes the integration of renewable energies.

    Large energy suppliers recognise the potential of home storage systems to ensure security of supply and stabilise energy prices. In the long term, they could also be used to support the grid in order to reduce grid costs.

    Continuous increase in electricity storage
    In Switzerland, the number of households with electricity storage systems is rising steadily. At the end of 2023, the installed storage capacity was 607,000 kWh, which is enough to supply 65,000 households with electricity for a day. The desire for increased self-sufficiency is driving this development.

    An investment in the future
    Battery storage systems offer numerous advantages for households and the entire energy system. They increase self-consumption of solar power, reduce electricity costs and support electromobility. With falling prices and increasing subsidies, investing in a battery storage system is becoming more and more attractive.

  • The future of the Swiss hydrogen economy

    The future of the Swiss hydrogen economy

    The hydrogen economy is facing a decisive turning point. Strong networking between producers, customers and transport service providers is required to ensure an efficient market ramp-up. This is where MatcH2, an innovative digital platform initiated and promoted by Axpo, comes in. This platform aims to bring together the various players in the hydrogen market and thus make an important contribution to decarbonisation.

    Axpo as a driving force
    Axpo has set itself the goal of actively promoting the hydrogen economy in Switzerland and Europe. By sponsoring MatcH2, Axpo is creating a network that connects customers, producers and transport service providers. Michael Limacher emphasises: “We are demonstrating the available supply of green molecules and thus strengthening the confidence of potential customers in a reliable supply.”

    Innovation through collaboration
    The idea arose from the collaboration between Axpo and the start-up hub Bluelion. Simon Weiher, emphasises the importance of open innovation: “The partnership with Bluelion helps us to find the right start-ups for selected challenges. I am delighted that this approach was also successful in this project.”

    Planning security for everyone involved
    Both producers and buyers need planning security to ensure that the market ramp-up is successful. The platform informs consumers about the availability of green hydrogen in Switzerland and provides producers with an overview of their customers’ self-declared hydrogen requirements. This creates planning security for production projects and enables coordinated development of the hydrogen economy.

    Networking and a common market
    The platform promotes exchange in the hydrogen market and also includes service providers who ensure transport between producers and consumers. Luka Cuderman emphasises: “MatcH2 is not a trading platform, but a networking platform.” Guy Bühler adds: “Through the involvement of various H2 players, the platform actively supports the development of the hydrogen market in Switzerland.”

    A step towards the energy transition
    With MatcH2, the company is creating a solid foundation for progress in decarbonisation and making an important contribution to the energy transition. The platform impressively demonstrates how the future of the hydrogen economy can be shaped through innovative networking and collaboration.

  • Gold-coloured façade modules in Schlieren set new solar standards

    Gold-coloured façade modules in Schlieren set new solar standards

    Megasol Energie AG, based in Deitingen, has launched a new coloured solar module on the market. According to a press release, the modules with their new colour design achieve around 94 percent of the efficiency of conventional black photovoltaic modules.

    The panels under the name SOLARCOLOR Morpho are manufactured for installation as façade elements. For example, they have been installed on two new buildings in the Lacheren area of Schlieren. Depending on the incidence of light, the gold-coloured modules create a lively play of colours, according to the press release.

    The two buildings in Lacheren comprise 36 flats. The roof is also covered with photovoltaic modules and generates peak values of 68 kilowatts with an annual yield of 59,900 kilowatt hours. The façade elements generate peaks of 17 kilowatts and an annual yield of around 16,200 kilowatt hours.

    Megasol Energie AG is one of the five nominated finalists for the Prix SVC Espace Mittelland 2025 sponsored by the Swiss Venture Club (SVC), which will be awarded in Bern on 12 March 2025.

  • Lake Zurich heats properties in the Riesbach neighbourhood

    Lake Zurich heats properties in the Riesbach neighbourhood

    Since 26 February, the first 80 properties in the Riesbach district of Zurich have been heated with heat from the Tiefenbrunnen energy network, Energie 360° announced in a press release. When the energy network is completed in 2032, the number of properties heated with heat from the waters of Lake Zurich is expected to rise to around 400. Energie 360° has invested around 60 million Swiss francs in the project.

    “We have reached an important milestone with the commissioning of the main centre and are proud of our contribution to a sustainable heat supply in the Tiefenbrunnen area,” said overall project manager Andreas Abdon from Energie 360° in the press release. For Dženan Draganović from Liegenschaften Stadt Zürich, energy networks such as the one now in operation are crucial for the city’s own net-zero target: “We have set ourselves the goal of heating all properties without fossil fuels by 2035.”

    When completed, the Tiefenbrunnen energy network will be able to supply around 5,300 Tiefenbrunnen residents with renewable heat from Lake Zurich. By replacing fossil heating systems, 6500 tonnes of CO2 can be avoided each year, writes Energie 360°.

  • Sustainable energy supply for Frick

    Sustainable energy supply for Frick

    The Basel-based energy supplier IWB has announced the commissioning of the Frick heating network. In addition to the new heating centre with two wood-fired boilers and two heat storage tanks, a 2.1-kilometre-long heating network has also been put into operation, according to a press release. The expansion of the final sections in the first construction phase is to begin on 4 March.

    This will supply private households and businesses in some neighbourhoods of Frick with renewable district heating. The wood-fired boilers will be fuelled with regional wood chips from the Thiersteinberg forestry operation.

    Due to the high demand, IWB is already examining the expansion of the supply area in the Ob em Dorf and Chilmet districts. Both the current and future constructions are associated with a number of traffic restrictions, which will be adapted by the municipality and canton as required. IWB invites you to an open day on the site of the heating centre on 5 April 2025.

  • Civil engineering work for power grid at Stadelhofen railway station started

    Civil engineering work for power grid at Stadelhofen railway station started

    According to a press release, the Dietikon-based construction company Walo Bertschinger is starting civil engineering work on the cable systems of the Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich(ewz) directly at Zurich-Stadelhofen railway station. Walo has been awarded an annual contract by ewz from 2024 to 2028. This makes Walo one of four companies involved in important infrastructure projects. Walo Bertschinger will start civil engineering work on ewz’s cable systems directly at Stadelhofen station in February.

    ewz is responsible for the secure and efficient operation of the distribution grid in the city of Zurich and parts of the canton of Graubünden, ewz says. ewz’s modern and intelligent metering and grid infrastructure ensures security of supply in the city of Zurich. In the long term, this infrastructure supports Zurich’s net-zero target for 2040 and the preservation of quality of life in the city. At the same time, it is a prerequisite for further networking and digitalisation.

  • Dynamic solar façade optimises Alpine chalet

    Dynamic solar façade optimises Alpine chalet

    Zurich Soft Robotics(ZSR) has equipped an Alpine chalet with its dynamic, intelligent Solskin solar façade. This order in the St.Gallen municipality of Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann is the first application for a private customer. According to a statement from the spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), which was founded in 2022 and is based in Technopark Zurich, the dynamic solar system on the former ski lift chalet was designed to improve energy efficiency and aesthetics, preserve the alpine charm of the existing architecture and optimise natural daylight.

    Solskin consists of numerous small and thin photovoltaic panels mounted on actuators. These in turn sit on a metal support net and are moved individually by compressed air. This allows the panels to follow the sun and increase the yield of solar power by up to 40 per cent compared to static panels.

    At the same time, these panels also function as a dynamic shading system. The software automatically adjusts the adaptive solar façade using artificial intelligence and self-learning algorithms to maximise solar yield, heat reduction and daylight. “Among other benefits, depending on project details, orientation, Solskin surface, etc., it can reduce the need for cooling and heating of the space behind it by up to 80 per cent, helping to save on operating costs,” Vesna Kosorić, Head of Sales and Architecture at ZSR, is quoted as saying in a report by ETH.

    “At first it was a dream, then a gamble,” ZSR quotes Thomas Greber, the owner of the chalet, in its press release. “Together, we have achieved more with this façade than we could have imagined: a very satisfactory construction time and a convincing result in all areas. We are happy with that.”

  • Lucerne relies on energy from the lake

    Lucerne relies on energy from the lake

    The city of Lucerne and the local supplier energie wasser luzern(ewl) want to work together to create opportunities to cover part of the city’s heating requirements with energy from Lake Lucerne. According to a press release, the aim of switching to lake energy is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gas, oil, petrol, diesel and paraffin to zero by 2040.

    In order to achieve this goal, the partners have considered possible locations for mostly underground energy centres. From a selection of 100 possible sites, five have emerged from the preliminary process: Three sites are on the left bank of the lake, one each on the right bank and in the Würzenbach supply area.

    Following extensive analysis, these sites were found to be the most suitable. In addition to the energy yield, ownership and criteria such as nature conservation and social impact were also taken into account. Urban planning and feasibility studies should be available by mid-2025. Alternative locations will be announced if there are too many conflicts of interest.

    “It was therefore crucial to involve municipal and cantonal authorities as well as various nature conservation and planning associations in the search for suitable locations,” said Martin Arnold, member of the Executive Board and Head of Realisation at ewl, in the press release. “In this way, we were able to take the various interests into account and harmonise them.”

  • Logistics centre in Bedano is operated completely fossil-free

    Logistics centre in Bedano is operated completely fossil-free

    The meat processing company Ernst Sutter AG from Gossau operates its Ticino logistics centre at the Bedano site without the use of fossil fuels. According to a press release, 45 per cent of the power supply for all necessary systems is covered by solar energy and the remainder by hydropower. The solar power is generated by a photovoltaic system on the roof of the centre, where the 271 square metre system produces 55,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

    The heating system was switched from oil heating to an air-to-water heat pump system. The heat extracted from the cooling systems is used to produce hot water.

    With the company sites in Gossau and Bazenheid SG, Bedano is now the company’s third site to be supplied with fossil-free energy. “We are setting ourselves ambitious goals to continuously reduce our ecological footprint and thus contribute to a more sustainable future,” Reto Sutter, CEO, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The expansion of renewable energies at our sites plays a central role in this.”

  • District heating network in the lower Wiggertal is getting closer

    District heating network in the lower Wiggertal is getting closer

    The energy companies Primeo Energie from Münchenstein and StWZ Energie AG are in the planning stages for the district heating network Fernwärme Unteres Wiggertal (FUWI). According to a press release, their solution envisages the integration of existing networks.

    “The project is an important contribution to the decarbonisation of the heat supply. StWZ and Primeo are convinced that the district heating network in the lower Wiggertal can be realised most effectively if we join forces in a joint company,” Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Primeo Wärme AG, is quoted as saying. The first step will be to expand the district heating network in Oftringen and Zofingen and to integrate the existing district heating networks of both municipalities. Wood combustion in the StWZ energy centres and waste heat from the waste incineration plant (KVA) of Erzo (Entsorgung Region Zofingen) are to be used as climate-neutral heat energy substitutes.

    In addition to StWZ Energie AG Zofingen, EW Oftringen AG and EW Rothrist AG were initially involved in the project. Contrary to the plans, the two regional energy suppliers have withdrawn their commitment to join the company for the time being for various reasons. However, according to the press release, both companies are behind the project for CO2-neutral district heating. Participation at a later date has not been ruled out.

    The question of a future increase in heat consumption from summer 2027 is also still open. The Oftringen electorate will be asked to vote on the construction of a new waste incineration plant and the additional land required for this in November 2025.

  • Expansion of the district heating network in Ober- and Unterentfelden

    Expansion of the district heating network in Ober- and Unterentfelden

    With the heating network in Ober- and Unterentfelden, Eniwa AG will connect the next network to its grid, as detailed in a press release. The Buchs-based energy supplier has now received authorisation to build an energy centre and the first part of the network. From 2026, waste heat from the Buchs waste incineration plant(KVA Buchs) will supply CO2-neutral thermal energy to the first customers.

    The first stage is scheduled to go into operation in 2026. According to the press release, it will enable the supply of thermal energy for a demand of 20,000 megawatt hours. Fewag is expanding the pipeline network from Suhr to the energy centre in Unterentfelden to transport the waste heat from the waste recycling plant to Entfelden.

    The waste heat will be transported to the energy centre in the form of hot water and distributed to the buildings via the distribution network at 65 degrees Celsius. Aleksandar Dunjic, project manager for heating/cooling, uses the example of a central heating system to compare the cycle thus initiated. After being converted into thermal energy for heating and hot water preparation, the cooled water is transported back to the heat source.

    After the first realisation phase by 2028, Eniwa is aiming to increase the amount of energy generated by district heating to 60,000 megawatt hours by expanding the network in Oberentfelden and Unterentfelden, according to the press release. “The district heating projects offer customers a high level of supply security at stable prices in the long term,” CEO Hans-Kaspar Scherrer is quoted as saying. The expansion targets are 12 kilometres of lines over the next 15 to 20 years.

  • Challenges and opportunities in Europe’s battery industry

    Challenges and opportunities in Europe’s battery industry

    Global demand for batteries is expected to triple by 2030 and reach between 4.0 and 4.6 terawatt hours. It could double again by 2040. The market is currently dominated by technologically leading companies from Asia, particularly China. Significant overcapacities there are leading to falling prices globally, which is putting additional pressure on European manufacturers with higher production costs and uncertainties in the ramp-up of electromobility.

    European strengths
    Despite these challenges, Europe has the potential to play a significant role in battery production. Competitive advantages lie in innovative approaches, high-quality production technologies and a focus on the ecological footprint of batteries. In order to catch up with the Asian market leaders, Western manufacturers must establish cost-efficient mass production, conduct intensive research and enter into close co-operation, including with Asian partners.

    Market volatility and future scenarios
    Volatility in the battery cell market increased significantly in 2024. The main reasons for this are the lower-than-expected sales figures for electric vehicles and regulatory uncertainties in the USA and the European Union. Experts have therefore developed three scenarios for future demand.

    Positive scenario: Rapid progress in electrification leads to demand of 4.6 TWh by 2030 and 8.8 TWh by 2040.

    Base scenario: Despite temporary declines in electric car sales, emissions targets are achieved, leading to demand of 4.3 TWh in 2030 and 8.6 TWh in 2040.

    Negative scenario: Significant delays, for example due to a postponement of the ban on combustion engines in the EU, result in demand of 4.0 TWh in 2030 and 8.1 TWh in 2040.

    These forecasts emphasise the uncertainties and the need for flexible planning for European manufacturers.

    Strategies for European manufacturers
    In order to be able to compete globally, European companies should pursue the following approaches.

    Focus on sustainability: Reduce CO₂ emissions in battery cell production to 30 to 40 kilograms per kilowatt hour by optimising raw material procurement and innovative production processes such as dry coating or laser drying.

    Early integration of innovations: Focusing production plans on new, cost-efficient battery types for small and mid-range electric vehicles in order to enter mass production more quickly and benefit from increasing volumes.

    Strengthen cooperation: Close cooperation with other European manufacturers and partnerships with leading Asian companies that are ahead in research, development and industrialisation in order to benefit from their expertise.

    By implementing these strategies, European battery manufacturers can increase their competitiveness and play a significant role in the growing global battery market.

  • Basel area funding to continue until 2030

    Basel area funding to continue until 2030

    The Basel-Stadt energy package has proven to be an effective instrument for supporting energy-efficient renovations and the expansion of renewable energies. The current spending authorisation expires at the end of 2025. The cantonal government is therefore applying to the cantonal parliament for an extension of the programme for the years 2026 to 2030 with a funding volume of CHF 51.25 million.

    The future design of the funding measures is based on the 2022 energy planning report and includes new incentives in addition to the continuation of proven programmes. These include energy-related operational optimisation for residential buildings, subsidies for the 1:1 replacement of old heating systems, the regeneration of geothermal probes, bonuses for combined roof and façade renovations with photovoltaics and the promotion of charging infrastructure in multi-party buildings. Municipalities are also to be supported with certification as energy cities.

    Positive impetus for the economy and climate protection
    The energy package has seen high demand in recent years, particularly after the record year of 2022. The support measures provide economic impetus, from which small and medium-sized enterprises in particular benefit.

    An intercantonal comparison shows that the Basel-Stadt energy package has an above-average impact and makes a significant contribution to cantonal energy and climate policy. The cantonal government will report to the cantonal parliament on the utilisation of the funds and the CO₂ impact of the programme halfway through its term.

    With the planned extension, the Basel-Landschaft energy package remains a key instrument for climate protection and sustainable development in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.

  • Saane water to heat Freiburg

    Saane water to heat Freiburg

    By 2027 at the latest, water from the Saane will cover 10 per cent of the heat demand in the Fribourg area, Groupe E announced in a press release. The energy supplier from Granges-Paccot is planning to build a three-part infrastructure to generate around 60 gigawatt hours of renewable thermal energy per year. This is enough to cover the needs of around 7500 households.

    The PLACAD project provides for the expansion of the existing heating centre on the former Ritter site. In future, three water-to-water heat pumps will operate here. They will be supported by two gas boilers in winter or in an emergency.

    The associated pumping station is planned in the Magere Au dam building. The connection between the heating centre and the pumping station is via two parallel pipes, each 1.2 kilometres long. They run through the Perolles forest, under the tennis courts of the Heilig Kreuz college and across the Saane.

    The pipeline route will partly follow existing paths, but any environmental impact will be compensated for, Groupe E explains. This includes plans to extend the Lake Perolles nature reserve to include an island of old woodland. Groupe E will provide information online about any adverse effects on leisure activities in the Perolles forest. The corresponding website also provides an insight into the development of the project.

  • New energy network to support the city of Wädenswil’s net-zero target

    New energy network to support the city of Wädenswil’s net-zero target

    Energie 360° and the city of Wädenswil want to contribute to the city’s net-zero target with an energy network. Specifically, the plan is to utilise the water of Lake Zurich to generate renewable heat, the Zurich-based energy supplier announced in a press release. To this end, the two partners intend to set up Energieverbund Wädenswil AG, in which the city of Wädenswil will hold a 51 per cent stake and Energie 360° a 49 per cent stake.

    On 9 February, the voters of Wädenswil gave the green light to the plans to establish the energy association with 66.04 percent of the votes, according to the press release. “The city of Wädenswil is investing in the future,” city mayor Philipp Kutter is quoted as saying. “A clean energy supply benefits everyone and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels.”

    The plans include two underground energy centres in the new Gessner site and at the Rietlau car park. Excess waste heat from the Rietlau wastewater treatment plant will also be used in the second energy centre. Energie 360° also wants to integrate its Untermosen heating network, which has been in operation in Wädenswil since 2011, into the new network.

    “Utilising the locally available energy from Lake Zurich for the energy supply makes ecological and economic sense,” says Energie 360° CEO Jörg Wild. If everything goes according to plan, the first customers will be able to obtain renewable heat from the network as early as 2026. In its final stage, the network is expected to avoid emissions of around 15,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

  • New fast-charging stations for better electromobility in western Switzerland

    New fast-charging stations for better electromobility in western Switzerland

    The Europe-wide fast charging station specialist Electra and the property asset manager Procimmo from Renens are working together to expand the charging infrastructure in French-speaking Switzerland. The two companies have started a corresponding collaboration, Electra announced in a press release. As a first step, two fast-charging stations will be installed in Aubonne VD and Gland VD.

    The fast-charging station in the Outlet Aubonne shopping centre is being implemented by the Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Industrial fund. The Procimmo Real Estate SICAV – Commercial PK fund is responsible for the fast-charging station at the Gland BackStage Pub in Gland. The first two charging points have been in operation since December 2024, with two more to follow this quarter.

    Electra, based in Paris, is represented in Switzerland by Electra Charging Switzerland AG in Zurich. Together with Procimmo, “we can network Western Switzerland even better and thus upgrade important and central locations with charging stations”, says Alessandro Inderbitzin, General Manager Electra Switzerland & Austria, in the press release. Procimmo CEO Arno Kneubühler, for his part, sees the collaboration with the specialist for fast-charging stations “as a significant step towards expanding and complementing our portfolio with Electra’s strong services”. With their partnership, the two companies want to respond to the increasing demand for fast-charging stations in Switzerland. For Procimmo, the commitment also represents a contribution to an electrified Switzerland.

  • Sustainable heat supply planned in Bülach

    Sustainable heat supply planned in Bülach

    Energie 360° and the town of Bülach are starting to set up an energy network, for which the energy centre will be built from 2026. According to a press release from the energy company, the plan is to utilise the waste heat from the Furt wastewater treatment plant for heating and hot water.

    The plant offers potential for up to 300 properties. This could save around 2600 tonnes of CO2 per year. According to the energy service provider, the Bülach districts of Hinterbirch and Grampen as well as the city centre are to be supplied with regionally generated and CO2-neutral heat from autumn 2028. Homeowners and property managers can already use an online platform to check connection options to the energy network and calculate indicative prices.

    Geothermal probes are not permitted in Bülach’s groundwater protection zones, and the energy network is “a central piece of the puzzle” in the city’s energy and climate strategy, according to the explanatory statement. “The energy network fits in with our endeavours to ensure that the town of Bülach has a modern and sustainable infrastructure,” says town councillor Andrea Spycher.

    The investment sum for the energy network will be borne by Energie 360°. According to the energy company, the project could also be the start of a future district heating network. Energie 360° is currently examining opportunities to utilise other sustainable energy sources with the aim of a large-scale supply of local district heating.

  • Circular economy for electric car batteries

    Circular economy for electric car batteries

    The canton of Solothurn and the Swiss Innovation Park Biel/Bienne(SIPBB) are joining forces in the field of the circular economy for electromobility. According to a press release, the SIPBB is setting up the subsidiary Swiss Battery Technology Center Solothurn GmbH at the Biberist site, which will commence operations in 2026.

    The company will recover raw materials from batteries using a combination of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, safety technologies and chemical and material technology processes. Research results and experience from the activities of the SIPBB will be utilised, supported by the canton of Solothurn, which has been a co-shareholder of the innovation park since 2015.

    The Swiss Battery Technology Center Solothurn GmbH will in future operate as an innovation player with companies already active in the circular economy at the Biberist site, such as Librec AG, Grensol and Libattion.

    “With Swiss Battery Technology Center Solothurn GmbH, we have been able to gain another important partner for the Biberist site in order to become a centre of excellence for electromobility in Europe,” said Monika Beck, Head of the Solothurn cantonal location promotion agency, in the press release.

  • Scaling for industry with sodium-ion batteries

    Scaling for industry with sodium-ion batteries

    The global demand for high-performance batteries is growing steadily. Sodium-ion batteries offer several advantages over lithium-ion technologies. They are cheaper, safer and based on more easily accessible raw materials. This technology could play a key role, especially for stationary energy storage and cost-sensitive applications.

    However, there are still challenges. Sodium is chemically different from lithium, which leads to a lower energy density and service life. In addition, scalable production processes need to be developed to make the battery competitive.

    Industry transfer through the SIB:DE FORSCHUNG project
    The SIB:DE FORSCHUNG (Sodium-Ion-Battery Deutschland-Forschung) project was launched to overcome these hurdles. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is working together with 20 partners from science and industry to further develop this battery technology with the aim of making it suitable for mass production.

    At the centre of the research are

    • Optimisation of the active materials for higher performance
    • Development of long-lasting electrodes for stable battery performance
    • Industrial scaling of production to larger quantities

    Material and electrode research at KIT
    A central concern of the research is the production of active materials in scalable quantities. Professor Helmut Ehrenberg from the Institute for Applied Materials at KIT explains: “At KIT, we are working on manufacturing processes for particularly high-performance active materials and demonstrating their production on a kilogramme scale. This is a decisive step for the industrial roll-out of sodium-ion technology.”

    The Helmholtz Institute Ulm is also developing electrodes that enable higher cycle stability. The results will be analysed and validated in the BELLA research laboratory, which is operated jointly by KIT and BASF.

    On the way to mass production
    The project is an important milestone in making sodium-ion batteries usable on an industrial scale. The combination of materials research, electrode development and scaling strategies should make it possible to transfer the technology to production in the coming years.

    With a successful breakthrough, sodium-ion batteries could become a cost-effective alternative to lithium technologies, with great potential for the energy storage of the future.

  • Basel invests in sustainable heating infrastructure

    Basel invests in sustainable heating infrastructure

    IWB and the Department of Construction and Transport of the Canton of Basel-Stadt are starting the construction of a new district heating pipeline in the Bachletten neighbourhood. Construction work is due to begin on 3 February, the two partners announced in a joint press release. The work is divided into five stages, running from Paulusgasse via Arnold-Böcklin-Strasse and Therwilerstrasse to Rütimeyerplatz.

    As part of the installation of the new heating pipeline, the canton also wants to renew the electricity and water pipes in the affected streets. There are also plans to “partially green and unseal the road surface”, according to the press release. To this end, trees are to be planted in small hollows and car parks are to be laid out with grass paving stones so that water can seep into the ground. However, the redesign of the surface is currently still dependent on the outcome of pending objections.

    IWB will also be laying district heating pipes and renewing the service lines in other streets in the Bachletten neighbourhood by 2031. Work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year in the Kluserstrasse, Marschalkenstrasse and Bernerring perimeters.