immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Energy

  • Long-term cost benefits and environmental friendliness of heat pumps

    Long-term cost benefits and environmental friendliness of heat pumps

    The decision to replace or renew a heating system is a long-term investment. Many consumers focus mainly on the initial installation costs, but often neglect to calculate the total costs over the life cycle of the heating system. In a new study, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have analysed the costs of various heating technologies in existing residential buildings over a period of 20 years. They took into account future energy prices and the development of CO2 prices. Their conclusion: heat pumps and district heating are not only more climate-friendly, but also cheaper than gas heating in the long term.

    The study focused on existing residential buildings and took into account the subsidies that came into force on 1 January 2024 as part of the Building Energy Act (GEG) and the funding guideline “Federal funding for efficient individual building measures”. The researchers assessed the costs of replacing heating systems and analysed the emissions of various technologies.

    “When investing in a new heating system, all expected costs, in particular the energy costs including the CO2 price component, should be taken into account over the entire life cycle,” explains Robert Meyer from Fraunhofer ISE. According to the study, switching to heat pumps or district heating also results in a positive cost balance for old buildings.

    The study showed that heat pumps in single-family homes are not only more environmentally friendly, but also more economically advantageous. The use of photovoltaics for self-consumption can further reduce overall costs. Even in apartment blocks, switching to heat pumps or district heating is more cost-effective than a new gas heating system.

    The study included various heating technologies such as gas condensing boilers, air source heat pumps (with and without photovoltaic systems), geothermal heat pumps, pellet heating systems and district heating. The researchers recommend providing consumers with transparent information on expected emissions and energy prices, including CO2 prices, to facilitate decision-making.

  • Romande Energie invests in the start-up Popety.io

    Romande Energie invests in the start-up Popety.io

    Romande Energie Group is investing in the start-up Popety.io from Plan-les-Ouates, which is active in property acquisition. The Group sees itself as an important player in the decarbonisation of French-speaking Switzerland. According to a press release, this commitment is intended to strengthen the BRM (Building Relationship Management) data processing tool that Romande Energie launched in March 2023 to support the renovation of its property portfolio.

    In a spirit of partnership and support for start-ups, energy supplier Romande Energie is acquiring a 6.45 per cent stake in the start-up Popety.io, which already counts Vaudoise Insurance among its investors. Through its Romande Energie Ventures unit, the Group analyses the market and invests in start-ups that also pursue the goal of contributing to the decarbonisation of French-speaking Switzerland. “We are convinced that data will simplify the decarbonisation of buildings. We are delighted to be driving these developments forward together with Popety.io,” said Géraud de Laval, Head of Strategy & Innovation – Real Estate at Romande Energie Ventures.

    Popety.io can now “count on the expertise of a committed energy provider like Romande Energie to accelerate the renovation of the building stock and accompany us in the development of our start-up”, founder and CEO Thibault Clément is quoted as saying.

    According to the press release, there are hundreds of thousands of buildings in Switzerland that are in need of renovation. Between 30 and 40 per cent of greenhouse gases come from buildings. The renovation rate of the Swiss building stock must therefore be drastically increased in order to fulfil the Energy Strategy 2050 and the Climate Act recently adopted by the Swiss people.

  • Negotiations between ewz, the municipality of Surses and the canton of Graubünden

    Negotiations between ewz, the municipality of Surses and the canton of Graubünden

    Ewz’s original concession application for the renewal of the water rights concessions for the Tinizong and Nandro power plants, which expire in May 2035, was rejected by the Surses electoral municipality on 21 January 2024. Despite this decision, ewz remains optimistic and intends to continue the constructive dialogue in order to highlight the advantages of a renewed concession.

    Philippe Heinzer, Head of the Energy division at ewz, emphasises ewz’s willingness to engage in solution-oriented negotiations and sees the inclusion of the concession renewal as one of the options for action in the municipality’s message as a positive sign of confidence.

    As a long-standing electricity producer in the region, ewz has extensive experience and is significantly integrated into the local economy and infrastructure. With an annual production of over 700 GWh, which corresponds to the consumption of around 280,000 four-room households, ewz plays a central role in the regional energy supply. A licence renewal would enable ewz to continue to operate the existing plants efficiently and safely and to continue to guarantee the energy supply in the region.

    In addition, ewz invests around CHF 10 million annually in the maintenance and modernisation of the power plants and the regional distribution grid and contributes to regional value creation with substantial tax and water interest payments.

    By focussing on strengthening hydropower as a renewable energy source, ewz is reaffirming its commitment to the preservation and further development of this important resource. The planned offer for a new concession to the municipality of Surses and the canton of Graubünden will show how ewz sees its role in the future energy supply of the region and how it can contribute to the sustainable development of the local community.

  • EWN dispenses with alpine solar plants

    EWN dispenses with alpine solar plants

    The Nidwalden cantonal electricity utility(EWN) has examined a total of six sites in its supply area for their suitability for the construction of alpine solar plants. In a first step, two sites were assessed as suitable in principle.

    However, extensive investigations revealed that the steepness of the terrain at both sites posed particular challenges for the construction and financing of the plants, EWN writes in a press release. EWN refers to the pressure of the snow, avalanches, landslides and possible rockfalls. Possible protective measures would have been so expensive that the plants would no longer have been economically viable.

    EWN has therefore decided not to pursue the two projects for the time being. Should the general conditions change, they could be reactivated.

    Among other things, EWN operates the Dallenwil hydropower plant and a solar plant on the Stans country park. It also holds a stake in Repartner Produktions AG, a joint venture between Repower and other regional energy suppliers for joint participation in renewable energy projects.

  • Dormakaba launches intelligent door system

    Dormakaba launches intelligent door system

    Dormakaba is positioning itself more broadly with an innovation in the areas of energy-efficient buildings and secure operating processes. The global locking technology company from Rümlang has launched an automatic door system called MotionIQ, which, according to a press release, offers building operators a strategic advantage.

    The targeted control of opening, hold-open and closing processes can improve the building’s energy balance and reduce operating costs. In addition, barrier-free access to the building is made easier and the use of automatic doors is made safer.

    The company, which specializes in security technology and access control, takes personal movement vectors into account: people walk through a door at different speeds. Conventional systems remain open for a certain amount of time every time someone enters a building, which results in a lot of energy escaping. MotionIQ calculates the ideal opening time and the individual hold-open time. To do this, a field of up to 10 meters in the door area is covered with a virtual net. When a person enters the measurement area, sensors record the distance, speed and angle and calculate the door movement based on this. By only leaving the door open for a certain amount of time, less energy is consumed and wear and tear is reduced.

    Another advantage of unnecessary openings relates to safety: the door only opens when necessary and closes immediately after passage. This minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries and extends the service life of the drive technology. In addition, the door is perceived less as a barrier.

  • Nationalrat setzt neue Akzente für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie

    Nationalrat setzt neue Akzente für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie

    Die nationalrätliche Kommission für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie (UREK-N) hat beschlossen, das Beschwerderecht von Umweltschutzorganisationen bei kleineren Wohnbauprojekten einzuschränken. Die Änderung des Bundesgesetzes über den Natur- und Heimatschutz zielt darauf ab, den Rechtsrahmen für kleinere und mittlere Wohnbauprojekte anzupassen, um ungleiche finanzielle Mittel zwischen Parteien auszugleichen.

    Darüber hinaus hat die Kommission die Beratung des Bundesgesetzes über die Aufsicht und Transparenz in den Energiegrosshandelsmärkten begonnen, um eine angemessene Aufsicht und Transparenz sicherzustellen. Im Zuge der Diskussion über ein Strommarkt-Abkommen mit der EU erörterte die Kommission die volkswirtschaftliche Bedeutung einer sicheren Stromversorgung und die Notwendigkeit, die Schweizer Regelungen mit denen der EU in Einklang zu bringen.

    Im Bereich der Kreislaufwirtschaft hat die Kommission die meisten Differenzen mit dem Ständerat ausgeräumt, insbesondere bezüglich der Lockerung des Siedlungsabfallmonopols. Es bleibt jedoch noch Uneinigkeit in der Frage, ob unverkaufte biogene Produkte entpackt werden sollen.

    Weitere Diskussionen der Kommission umfassten die Teilrevision des Umweltschutzgesetzes, die sich auf den Lärmschutz und Altlastensanierungen konzentriert. Die Motion «Mit Verdichtung und gemeinnützigem Wohnungsbau gegen die Wohnungsnot» wurde von der Kommission abgelehnt, da sie der Meinung ist, dass die bestehenden gesetzlichen Grundlagen bereits ausreichend sind. Zudem wurde ein Postulat zur Optimierung der Nutzung von Energieholz eingereicht.

    Die Sitzungen der Kommission am 22. und 23. Januar 2024 standen unter der Leitung von Nationalrat Christian Imark und wurden teilweise in Anwesenheit von Bundesrat Albert Rösti in Bern abgehalten.

  • Ein Pionier in der Nanotechnologie zur Energiegewinnung

    Ein Pionier in der Nanotechnologie zur Energiegewinnung

    Im Zentrum dieser bahnbrechenden Forschung steht die Verbindung von Thermodynamik und Quantenmechanik, um durch Nanotechnologie effiziente Energiesysteme zu entwickeln. Der Wissenschaftler, der sich dieser Herausforderung stellt, ist bereits seit zwölf Jahren im Bereich der Quantenelektronik tätig und hat seinen Fokus auf die Umwandlung von Abwärme in elektrische Energie gerichtet. Seine Arbeit mit Graphen-Nanobändern, einem Material aus einer einzelnen Schicht von Kohlenstoffatomen, verspricht neue Wege in der Energiegewinnung.

    Die Qualität seiner Forschung wurde bereits mit prestigeträchtigen Auszeichnungen wie dem ERC Starting Grant und einem Eccellenza-Professorenstipendium des Schweizerischen Nationalfonds gewürdigt. Der Forscher, der sowohl eine Forschungsgruppe an der Empa leitet als auch Assistenzprofessor für Quantenelektronik an der ETH Zürich ist, hat seine akademische Laufbahn an der TU Delft begonnen und sich stets für konkrete Anwendungen der Physik interessiert.

    In seinem Labor an der Empa erforscht er die Anwendung von Graphen-Nanobändern, die an der Empa unter der Leitung von Roman Fasel hergestellt werden. Die spezifischen physikalischen Eigenschaften dieser Bänder sind entscheidend für ihre Nutzbarkeit in einer Reihe von Quantentechnologien. Eine bedeutende Entdeckung seiner Gruppe war, dass die Quanteneffekte dieser Bänder auch bei -23°C noch weitgehend erhalten bleiben, was die Möglichkeit ihrer nwendung bei Raumtemperatur in Aussicht stellt.

    Die Technologie, an der der Wissenschaftler arbeitet, befindet sich noch in der Entwicklungsphase, und die Herausforderungen in der Nanofabrikation sind gewaltig. Trotzdem ist sein Ziel, die fundamentalen Grundlagen für die Anwendung dieser fortschrittlichen Technologie zu schaffen und damit ihren praktischen Einsatz in der Zukunft zu ermöglichen. Seine Forschung könnte letztendlich dazu beitragen, den Stromverbrauch elektronischer Geräte zu reduzieren und einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Energieeffizienz zu leisten.

  • SFOE awards Watt d’Or 2024 energy prize

    SFOE awards Watt d’Or 2024 energy prize

    The prestigious Swiss energy prize Watt d’Or will be awarded for the 17th time in 2024 by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy(SFOE). The award is presented in three categories: Renewable Energies, Energy Technologies and Energy-Efficient Mobility and the Buildings and Space category. According to a press release, the award ceremony will take place on Thursday, 11 January at the Kursaal Congress Centre in Bern. The Watt d’Or trophy – a snow globe – will be presented to the winners by National Councillor Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher.

    The 2024 winners in the Energy Technologies category are the energy supplier AEW Energie AG, based in Aarau, together with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH). They are jointly running a pilot project to find a smart solution for the electricity grid. The AEW grid will be “virtually” strengthened by up to 10 per cent without any physical expansion.

    In the Renewable Energies category, Cham Group AG was honoured together with Andy Wickart Haustechnik AG, Alfacel AG and pom+Consulting AG. A climate-neutral neighbourhood is being built in Cham that relies 100 percent on renewable energy.

    CLEMAP AG, together with Otto Fischer AG – both from Zurich – received the award in the Energy Efficient Mobility category. Together they developed cost-efficient charging infrastructures with solar charging, thus avoiding the need to expand the grid.

    The Knonau-Maschwanden-Mettmenstetten secondary school, together with Pro-Energie GmbH from Eschlikon TG, was honoured with the gold award in the Buildings and Space category. Owner Roger Balmer developed the intelligent Hybridbox energy centre. The school complex with five buildings and an indoor swimming pool is climate-neutral and, thanks to photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and combined heat and power generation, is 54 per cent self-sufficient and 70 per cent self-sufficient in electricity.

  • Kone manufactures exclusively CO2-neutral

    Kone manufactures exclusively CO2-neutral

    According to a press release,Kone is the first company in the lift industry to operate CO2-neutral production facilities worldwide. Kone Schweiz AG has its headquarters in Wangen-Brüttisellen. The parent company Kone, based in Espoo near Helsinki, Finland, has ten plants in seven countries around the world.

    The goal of CO2-neutral production has already been achieved earlier than planned, at the end of June 2023, it continues. “This is a significant step in Kone’s ambition to have the most resilient, sustainable and competitive supply chain in the industry,” Mikko Korte, Executive Vice President of Kone Supply Chain, is quoted as saying. “Sustainability is a core principle of all our business areas and activities. Our manufacturing facilities are an integral part of our supply chain operations and carbon footprint,” said Korte.

    As part of its Scope 1 emissions targets, Kone is constantly investing in energy efficiency and is endeavouring to switch to electric vehicles in all its manufacturing units. Scope 1 includes all emissions for which a company is directly and immediately responsible. Kone has invested in energy efficiency, production line robotics and automation, including the introduction of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that contribute to increased energy savings. In 8 out of 10 factories, conventional forklift trucks have been replaced by electric models and the diesel-powered forklift trucks use biofuels, the report continues.

    Kone is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the lift, escalator and automatic door industry. in 2022, more than 60,000 employees in more than 1,000 branches in over 60 countries worldwide generated annual sales of 10.9 billion euros.

  • Energiewende in der Schweiz: Technologischer Fortschritt statt Verzicht

    Energiewende in der Schweiz: Technologischer Fortschritt statt Verzicht

    Die Ergebnisse des «Helion Energiewende-Index», basierend auf einer Umfrage unter 3000 Schweizerinnen und Schweizern, offenbaren eine klare Präferenz für technologiebasierte Lösungen im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel. Die Mehrheit der Befragten favorisiert den verstärkten Einsatz von erneuerbaren Energien wie Solar- und Windkraft, während weniger als die Hälfte glaubt, dass weitere Verhaltensänderungen im Sinne eines Konsumverzichts notwendig sind.

    Interessanterweise schätzt die Mehrheit der Befragten ihr eigenes Verhalten als umweltfreundlicher ein als das der Gesamtbevölkerung, obwohl gleichzeitig ein verstärktes Engagement im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel gefordert wird. Dieser Wunsch nach schnelleren Fortschritten, insbesondere im Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien, zeigt sich deutlich in der hohen Akzeptanz und Priorisierung von Solarenergie.

    Photovoltaik-Anlagen werden von einem Großteil der Haus- und Wohnungseigentümer als bevorzugte Option betrachtet, wobei 73 Prozent eine Installation in Betracht ziehen. Die Hauptmotivation liegt hierbei in der eigenständigen Energieerzeugung und dem Schutz vor steigenden Strompreisen. Ökologische und nachhaltige Aspekte sind ebenfalls wichtig, aber sekundär.

    Die Studie hebt hervor, dass trotz der breiten Unterstützung für erneuerbare Energien Hindernisse, wie administrative Hürden und Finanzierungsfragen, weiterhin den Fortschritt bremsen. CEO Noah Heynen von Helion betont die Notwendigkeit, diese Hindernisse abzubauen und ganzheitliche Lösungen anzubieten, um die Energiewende effektiv voranzutreiben.

    Zusammenfassend zeigt die Studie, dass die Schweizer Bevölkerung bereit ist, die Energiewende aktiv zu unterstützen, wobei der Fokus auf technologischen Innovationen liegt, um eine nachhaltigere und klimafreundlichere Zukunft zu gestalten. Dieses Ergebnis ist insbesondere für Fachleute und Führungskräfte in der Immobilienbranche relevant, da es wichtige Einblicke in die Präferenzen und Erwartungen der Bevölkerung in Bezug auf nachhaltige Wohn- und Baukonzepte bietet.

  • Kriens electricity suppliers realise heating network

    Kriens electricity suppliers realise heating network

    The two electricity suppliers to the town of Kriens, Energie Wasser Luzern(ewl) and Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke(CKW), are also becoming heating suppliers: according to a press release, the Kriens town council has decided in favour of the Kriens heating network consortium with ewl and CKW following a public tender for the construction and planning of a heating network.

    The heating network will help to supply additional properties in Kriens, namely the Obernau, centre and Kupferhammer-Kehrhof areas, with thermal energy. According to the city council, this is in line with the goals of the city’s climate strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 2045.

    According to the information provided, the winning project assures Kriens a high level of territorial coverage and provides for transitional solutions that guarantee the population a high degree of planning security for the changeover in their heat supply. CKW and ewl are planning their project with a broad mix of different renewable energy sources, including regional wood. According to City Councillor Maurus Frey, this will create an attractive offer “so that together we can take a step towards our climate targets”.

    In the upcoming construction work in Hergiswaldstrasse, the renovation work is to be carried out at the same time as the pipeline construction for the heating network, if possible. The city and ARGE intend to announce further details once the legally prescribed deadlines have expired.

  • AMAG commissions second solar plant in Zuchwil

    AMAG commissions second solar plant in Zuchwil

    In mid-December, the AMAG Group commissioned a photovoltaic system with a peak output of 153 kilowatts at its site in Zuchwil, the Group, which is primarily active in the automotive trade, announced in a press release. By 2025, AMAG plans to equip around 75,000 square metres of space on AMAG premises with solar panels. This would enable the Group to cover over a fifth of its electricity requirements from its own production.

    The 369 solar panels now installed in Zuchwil are already the Group’s second system at the Solothurn site. A similarly large system had already been put into operation at the end of June. “Our first photovoltaic system has already proved very successful and fulfils our expectations,” said Raphael Biberstein, Managing Director of AMAG Solothurn, in the press release. “It fills us with pride to be able to generate the electricity we need ourselves with these two systems.”

    The AMAG Group has already installed further photovoltaic systems in Basel, Wettswil ZH, Lupfig AG, Chur, Baden AG, EtoyVD, Oftringen AG, Buchrain LU, Winterthur, Maienfeld GR, Cham, Noville VD, La Tour-de-Trême FR, Châtelaine GE, Lengwil TG and Lugano. They cover a total area of around 34,000 square metres.

  • Swissolar expects solar’s share to reach 10 per cent by 2024

    Swissolar expects solar’s share to reach 10 per cent by 2024

    Swissolar expects photovoltaic installations to reach 1500 megawatts in 2023. In a press release, the industry association cites the registration figures from the Pronovo funding agency and feedback from the market. This means that the expansion is almost 40 per cent higher than in the previous year.

    This means that a total of 6,200 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity will be installed by the end of 2023. This should enable an annual production of 6 terawatt hours in the coming year. Swissolar therefore expects solar power to reach a share of 10 per cent by 2024.

    Swissolar recognises high growth in both small and large installations. The large systems were driven by the new subsidy for systems without self-consumption, for example. The high electricity price has made solar power more competitive on the free market.

    For 2024, Swissolar expects an increase in new installations of at least 10 per cent.

  • Umbrella organisation founded for the expansion of small wind turbines

    Umbrella organisation founded for the expansion of small wind turbines

    A total of 20 citizens from different regions and professional backgrounds have launched Smallwindenergy, the Swiss umbrella organisation for small wind turbines up to 50 metres in height. The basic idea is to become more independent in the sustainable generation of electricity. To this end, small wind power is to be promoted as a useful addition to the existing power supply, according to a press release. “With small wind turbines, the self-consumption rate can be significantly increased with lower storage capacity and green electricity can be produced locally even in bad weather”, President Max Wyder is quoted as saying.

    The association supports the use of decentralised small wind turbines in various sizes and designs. The purpose of the association also includes the promotion of standardised and defined framework conditions for the installation of turbines on and next to existing buildings for infrastructure, agriculture and industry. The turbines can also be operated in combination with photovoltaics and generate locally sustainable electricity even in bad weather. Due to their small size, there is no need to fear any impact in terms of landscape and bird protection, according to the new association. They can be authorised regionally without an environmental impact assessment and can therefore be put into operation quickly to generate green electricity.

    The association is economically and politically independent and, according to its own information, is in contact with associations from neighbouring countries. The plan is to involve Swiss authorities, institutions and the business community. Regular events, exhibitions and plant tours are intended to familiarise citizens with the technology and the associated contribution to self-sufficient electricity production. Membership is open to all legal and natural persons.

  • Davos approves alpine solar plant

    Davos approves alpine solar plant

    The photovoltaic system on the Totalp can be built. The Davos electorate gave the project the green light with 75.5 per cent in a mandatory referendum on 17 December. The Grand District Council had previously approved the project by 15 votes to two.

    The plant is being planned by the local utility EWD together with the municipal utilities of Basel, Bern and Thun, which are part of the Swisspower municipal utility alliance. “I am delighted to have the support of the people of Davos. This is a big step forward for more solar power in Switzerland,” said Swisspower CEO Ronny Kaufmann in a press release issued by his company.

    The plant on the southern slope of the Totalphorn is to be built at an altitude of 2,500 metres above sea level. This will allow it to utilise high levels of solar radiation and the reflection of snow in winter. According to a statement from Swisspower, the plant will comprise 17,000 modules and generate at least 10 gigawatt hours of electricity. “This project will make an important contribution to closing the winter electricity gap and achieving the Swisspower shareholders’ Masterplan 2050,” said Swisspower overall project manager Pascal Bersier.

    The legally binding building permit and the investment decision should be available by spring. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer.

  • Neustark removes CO2 from the air for ZKB

    Neustark removes CO2 from the air for ZKB

    The climate tech company Neustark will permanently remove 4,200 tonnes of CO2 from the air for Zürcher Kantonalbank. This is provided for in the six-year contract that the company, which was founded in 2019 as a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, has concluded with one of Switzerland’s largest banks.

    According to a press release, these are residual emissions that are unavoidable for ZKB and cannot be reduced in the future. According to Neustark, this agreement is “a strong signal to the market” that “more and more international and national companies are taking CO2 removal measures to achieve net zero”.

    “We are teaming up with neustark to have a large part of our residual emissions removed by their innovative and high-quality mineralisation technology,” Marit Kruthoff, CSR Manager at ZKB, is quoted as saying. “We are delighted to be working with a regionally based start-up like neustark to help scale up an innovative technology for the net zero target.”

    A total of 14 Neustark capture and storage plants are currently in operation. They remove around 5000 tonnes of CO2 from the air every year. More than 20 further plants are under construction in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Neustark is therefore well on the way to achieving its goal of permanently removing 1 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. Its customers include Microsoft, UBS and Verdane.

  • AEW Energie produces solar power on the roofs of Swisspearl AG

    AEW Energie produces solar power on the roofs of Swisspearl AG

    AEW Energie AG has installed a photovoltaic (PV) system on two pitched roofs of Swisspearl Schweiz AG, formerly Eternit (Schweiz) AG, in Niederurnen. According to a press release, 3144 solar panels have been installed on an area of 6282 square metres. The system is operated under a contracting model: Swisspearl Switzerland receives a preferential price for the electricity produced on site in return for providing the roof area. The contract runs for 30 years.

    The plant on the production hall of Swisspearl, a supplier to the construction industry, produces 1270 megawatt hours, which corresponds to the electricity requirements of 290 households. 85 per cent of the electricity produced is consumed on site and the rest is fed into the power grid. This installation at Swisspearl Schweiz AG expands the AEW portfolio to 81 systems with a total peak output of 25.7 megawatts.

    “The PV system provides Swisspearl Schweiz AG with ecological, local and cheap electricity without having to worry about the photovoltaic system,” said René Wüst, Project Manager at AEW Energie AG, in the press release. “This allows them to concentrate on their core business. The new hall offers ideal conditions for the construction and thanks to the early involvement of all those involved and the constructive cooperation, the installation went smoothly.”

  • tb.glarus connects the largest solar community in Glarus to the grid

    tb.glarus connects the largest solar community in Glarus to the grid

    tb.glarus is also enabling tenants to participate in the expansion of solar energy. As the Glarus-based utility announced, it commissioned the system at the Stampfrüti stable on 23 November. This is the company’s sixth solar community and the largest to date in the canton of Glarus.

    With an area of 707 square metres, the system is expected to generate 128,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. According to tb.glarus, 95 per cent of the 707 solar panels have already been sold. The one-off investment in the Stampfrüti plant offers tb.glarus customers a fixed credit for solar power over 20 years.

    The six solar communities have a total output of 519 kilowatt peak and generate around 490,000 kilowatt hours per year on an area of over 2500 square metres. tb.glarus is looking for further roof areas that are suitable for solar communities.

  • Center Fontauna produces solar power

    Center Fontauna produces solar power

    The Fontauna Center has been undergoing renovations since May 2022. The work should be completed next year. The integrated solar system on the roof and façade of the sports and cultural center has already been put into operation. According to a statement from Repower, it will generate around 600,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year over an area of 3,300 square meters. This corresponds to twice the Center Fontauna’s own consumption.

    Repower is the owner and operator of the plant. The Graubünden-based electricity supplier used local businesses for the installation.

    Clemens Berther sees the system as a showcase project for environmentally conscious action. “The successful integration of the solar system in the Center Fontauna marks an important step for the sustainable development of our municipality,” the deputy mayor and president of the Disentis building commission is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Building Envelope Forum comes to the Umwelt Arena

    Building Envelope Forum comes to the Umwelt Arena

    Building Envelope Switzerland invites you to the Management and Entrepreneurs’ Forum – all about craftsmanship 2024 on 24 April 2024. The all-day event will take place at the Umwelt Arena Schweiz in Spreitenbach. According to an announcement, the motto of the forum is “Healthy growth with and thanks to the energy transition”.

    “We are in the midst of the energy transition,” reads the invitation from the Association of Swiss Building Envelope Companies. This poses various challenges for players in the construction industry in particular. Full order books, a lack of skilled labour, time pressure and strong price fluctuations at all levels are buzzwords that can be added to at will.

    The management and entrepreneur forum will provide practice-orientated impetus in the form of specialist presentations and a panel discussion. According to the invitation, the aim is to convey how to keep a company fit and position it successfully on the market.

    According to the Swiss Building Envelope Association, it has been the centre of excellence for the building envelope industry since it was founded in 1907. Together with other professional associations, it offers basic and advanced training in all aspects of the building envelope profession at its two locations at Polybau in Uzwil and Polybat in Les Paccots FR. Innovative, forward-looking solutions and products are developed in collaboration with product manufacturers, building envelope specialists, science, research, technology, architecture and planning.

  • New platform to facilitate the establishment of solar cooperatives

    New platform to facilitate the establishment of solar cooperatives

    The Swiss Solar Energy Society(SSES) and the Association of Independent Energy Producers(VESE) have launched the new SolEctif platform. According to a press release, the project aims to support solar cooperatives both with their foundation and with the next step, professionalisation.

    Solar cooperatives in Switzerland play an important role in realising the energy transition with renewable energies. However, these organisations are mostly run on a voluntary basis and often face major financial or ownership problems that prevent them from installing and operating effective systems. With the support of SwissEnergy, SSES and VESE now want to accompany solar cooperatives on their way forward. With the SolEctif project, the partners are supporting the cooperatives in setting up new businesses, professionalising their operations and finding suitable roof areas.

    The centrepiece of the platform is the handbook “How to set up and run a solar cooperative”, which can be downloaded free of charge or ordered as a print version for a fee. Here, interested parties can find out which obligations and processes need to be observed when setting up a cooperative. In addition, the first starter workshops will be held in Zurich Oerlikon in May 2024. From January 2024, interested parties will receive the new SolEctif newsletter every six months.

  • AEW Energie takes over 50 per cent of GA-Werkstatt.ch

    AEW Energie takes over 50 per cent of GA-Werkstatt.ch

    GA-Werkstatt.ch (GAW) is now owned equally by AEW Energie AG and the previous sole owner, Rotkreuz-based Herzog Kull Group Holding(HKG). With their new joint venture, the partners want to meet the increased demand in the field of building management for commercial properties. As stated in a joint press release, they aim to take a holistic approach and assume the project management role of a general energy company or total energy company.

    Both companies are convinced that a building will be an increasingly relevant element in the future energy system as a consumer, producer and store of energy. By working more closely together, they want to offer integrated energy solutions from a single source throughout the country.

    The competences of the new partners will complement each other: HKG will gain expertise in the planning of medium and high-voltage systems, according to the press release. The collaboration will enable a holistic view of buildings and grids in all areas of target grid planning. By acquiring a stake in GAW, AEW is expanding its portfolio of grid and energy-related services to include building technology, thereby strengthening its position as a provider of integrated energy services for its customers. Its associated company Virtual Global Trading AG is contributing its digitalisation expertise.

  • Forward-looking initiative for renewable energies in Switzerland

    Forward-looking initiative for renewable energies in Switzerland

    The development of robust supply channels for renewable fuels and chemical feedstocks in Switzerland is the focus of the “reFuel.ch” consortium. Supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the consortium, consisting of nine Swiss universities, universities, research institutes and an industrial partner, held its kick-off event on 8 December 2023. The initiative emphasises the urgency of climate-friendly measures and actively involves political decision-makers in the dialogue.

    During a state visit to Oman, a memorandum of understanding was signed by President Alain Berset to promote cooperation in the areas of sustainable energy and energy technologies. In this context, the “reFuel.ch” consortium received a “Letter of Interest” from the Omani ambassador, which emphasises the international importance and timely commitment of “reFuel.ch”.

    Subsequent concrete measures include a visit by a “reFuel.ch” delegation to Oman to discuss the production of sustainable energy sources and chemical feedstocks. These talks are part of a global effort to optimise production methods and develop more efficient manufacturing processes. Another project is being launched in southern Spain with the aim of increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy production.

    The consortium is also looking at domestic production, in particular the use of farmyard manure to generate energy and increasing efficiency in the production of synthetic fuels. Switzerland plans to meet its demand for sustainable fuels and chemical feedstocks by utilising solar energy production in sunny regions of the world and at the same time expanding domestic energy production.

  • ABB invests 500 million euros in electrification

    ABB invests 500 million euros in electrification

    ABB and the European Investment Bank(EIB) have signed a financing agreement for a loan totalling 500 million euros, ABB announced in a press release. The Zurich-based technology company intends to use the funds to develop semiconductor-based circuit breakers, environmentally friendly switchgear and technologies to improve efficiency and automation in buildings. The funds will be channelled into corresponding research by ABB in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Finland, Norway, Poland and other European countries.

    “Electrification is crucial in the fight against climate change,” EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle is quoted as saying in the press release. “With our loan to ABB, we are supporting a company with a long history of developing electrical products and a strong commitment to promoting practical solutions that make the European economy greener.”

    The new power distribution solutions are intended for use in functional buildings, industrial operations and microgrids, for example. The development and commercialisation of technologies is a high priority in ABB’s growth strategy. Last year, the company invested around 1.67 billion dollars, or around 4 per cent of its consolidated sales, in research and development.

  • Birstal heating network installs wood-fired boiler

    Birstal heating network installs wood-fired boiler

    The sustainable Birstal heating network has taken another step forward with the installation of the first wood-fired boilers. According to a press release, the project initiated by Primeo Energie from Münchenstein and uptownBasel has expanded the heating system on the uptownBasel site with the installation of the boilers. A heat pump is to be installed at a later stage. The wood-fired boilers are two biomass boilers with outputs of 8 and 11 megawatts. According to the press release, modern filter systems and technologies should lead to the lowest possible exhaust gas values. At a later date, the heating centre is expected to deliver an output of 40 megawatts, making it the largest plant operated by Primeo Energie in Switzerland.

    The Birstal heating network consists of 25 heating plants and networks in Reinach, Arlesheim and Münchenstein. It is increasingly being converted to renewable energies. Part of the energy source will be waste heat from the uptownBasel area in Arlesheim, while biomass and wood from regional cultivation will also be burnt in cold seasons or during peak loads.

    With the new energy centre and the Birstal heating network, Primeo Energie aims to make a contribution to the energy transition and to a sustainable heating and cooling supply in the region, the press release explains further.

  • Stäfa receives renewable heating and cooling

    Stäfa receives renewable heating and cooling

    The municipality of Stäfa’s heating and cooling supply is to be modernised with a sustainable energy project. According to a press release, local industry and 500 properties in Stäfa will be supplied with renewable heat from Lake Zurich from 2026. The industrial companies will also receive renewable cooling for their cooling processes from the lake. The project is being realised by Energie 360°. The project aims to save 7,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in future by replacing gas and oil heating systems. According to the press release, this reduction in emissions corresponds to the consumption of 2.6 million litres of fossil heating oil. Heat is to be generated using heat exchangers in an underground system. Construction of the lake water intake and the underground energy centre will begin in summer 2024. The first pipes for the heating and cooling network will be laid in 2025, and the industrial companies and the first properties will then be connected to the new heating and cooling supply from 2026.

    “Energie 360° has set itself the goal of supplying its customers exclusively with renewable energy by 2040,” Romeo Deplazes, Head of Solutions at Energie 360°, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The Stäfa energy network is a further step in Switzerland’s transformation from fossil to renewable energy.”

  • Heating network in Villmergen utilises local waste wood

    Heating network in Villmergen utilises local waste wood

    On 16 November, AEW Energie AG celebrated the start of construction of the heating centre in the Villmerg industrial area with a ground-breaking ceremony. The heating centre will be built on the Cellpack Power Systems site. According to a press release, it will initially be equipped with a boiler for waste wood with a nominal output of 2,000 kilowatts and an oil-fired boiler for peak loads with a nominal output of 4,000 kilowatts.

    The plant will supply heat for the first time at the end of 2024. It will replace around 710,000 cubic metres of natural gas and thus avoid the emission of 1500 tonnes of CO2. A further waste wood boiler with a nominal output of 4000 kilowatts is to be added in the final stage. This should also be able to supply other companies in the industrial area. The expansion of the heating network to neighbouring areas is being considered.

    Most of the waste wood will come from untreated wood waste from the industrial estate and will be supplemented with wood from the region as required. The proportion of oil for the peak load should not exceed 10 per cent. A photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof and on two sides of the heating centre. This will achieve a peak output of 260 kilowatts.

  • Zurich Airport wants to use ice age channel for air conditioning

    Zurich Airport wants to use ice age channel for air conditioning

    Flughafen Zürich AG is currently exploring an ice-age gully beneath the airport. It is 300 metres deep and around 30 kilometres long in total. As it is filled with water-bearing gravel, it could be used to store heat and cold in order to heat and cool a significant proportion of the airport buildings without emissions.

    “By moving away from fossil fuels such as oil and gas, we are coming much closer to our goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040,” said Lydia Naef, Chief Real Estate Officer of Flughafen Zürich AG, in a press release. “Geothermal energy plays a central role in this.”

    Together with IG Rinne, a consortium consisting of engineering consultants Geo Explorers, Sieber Cassina & Partner AG and E-Axiom GmbH, Flughafen Zürich AG is working on a multi-stage process to analyse the potential of the gutter as a storage facility. The results of the investigation to date are said to be promising.

    If successful, Zurich Airport intends to utilise the channel as a heat and cold storage facility from 2026. It estimates the investment costs for researching the channel and constructing the wells at between 4 and 8 million Swiss francs, depending on the number of wells required. In addition, there would be development costs for pipelines and other technical measures.

    The project is being funded and supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy as a pilot project, says Emanuel Fleuti, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Flughafen Zürich AG. “We are making all the findings available to the scientific community and can thus make a contribution to research into emission-free cooling and heating systems.”

  • BKW makes the start house on the Matterhorn energy self-sufficient

    BKW makes the start house on the Matterhorn energy self-sufficient

    This year’s Ski World Cup season starts on the weekends of 11/12 and 18/19 November with cross-border races in Zermatt and Cervinia. According to a press release, BKW has erected a mobile start house on the Theodul Glacier above Zermatt that does not require an external power supply.

    The starting house measures 15 by 8 metres and is inflatable. It weighs 600 kilograms and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. Power is supplied by 40 integrated solar cells with a total output of 11 kilowatts peak.

    The system was installed by companies from the Bern-based energy service provider’s network. These included BKW Engingeering for the project management, ingenhoven architects based in Düsseldorf for the building planning and enerpeak based in Dübendorf for the electrics and photovoltaics.

    BKW is an official premium and sustainability partner of the event organiser Swiss-Ski. “We are using the partnership with Swiss-Ski to bring sustainable solutions to snow sports,” said Michael Morgenthaler, Head of Brand Experience, Partnerships & Campaigns at BKW, in the press release. “At the same time, we can show the public our broad expertise in the areas of energy, buildings and infrastructure.”

  • Rhenus Switzerland puts solar roof into operation in Schaffhausen

    Rhenus Switzerland puts solar roof into operation in Schaffhausen

    Rhenus Switzerland is putting a total of 2511 photovoltaic modules into operation on the roof of the logistics building in Schaffhausen, which has been fitted with a special film. This system is expected to generate around 1,100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. According to a press release, this is roughly equivalent to the consumption of 220 households.

    The building was renovated in just under four months. The solar power generated on 6700 square metres will be fed directly into the Rhenus grid. Rhenus intends to use this to operate three buildings with office, warehouse and rental space. This will ensure that the logistics areas with a total of 23 loading bays and over 15,000 pallet spaces as well as block storage and picking areas are supplied with energy.

    “When it comes to sustainable logistics, we at the Rhenus Group prefer to be two steps ahead,” said Andreas Stöckli, CEO of Rhenus Alpina. “We are laying the foundations for more efficient and climate-friendly goods handling with the latest addition to our photovoltaic system in Schaffhausen and also at logistics centres in Basel and Spreitenbach. We need innovative solutions that not only benefit the environment and society, but also our customers.”

    The German Rhenus Group is one of the world’s leading logistics service providers with 39,000 employees at 1120 sites and an annual turnover of EUR 8.6 billion. The company has 15 sites in Switzerland.