immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Energy

  • NeoVac uses the app from eCarUp for charging stations

    NeoVac uses the app from eCarUp for charging stations

    NeoVac now uses the NeoVac my Charge app to bill the consumption-based costs for e-charging stations in apartment buildings and areas. According to a media release , the specialist for building and environmental technology based in Oberriet is reacting to the increasing demand for e-charging stations in buildings.

    The app was developed by eCarUp AG from Zug. The young company offers a comprehensive software solution for setting up charging infrastructure. Its backend enables billing, monitoring, load management and maintenance of e-charging stations.

    With its Switzerland-wide service network, NeoVac prepares the consumption-based energy and water bills for over 400,000 apartments every year. The Rheintaler company has set itself the goal of offering a solution for every billing-relevant measuring point in a building. "The number of new registrations of electric vehicles is increasing significantly and tenants are asking for more and more charging options," says Pascal Welti, Head of Energy Consulting at NeoVac. That's why his company has now launched an app for it.

    It enables drivers of electric cars to activate charging stations and pay for the electricity they use. In addition, the charging data is transferred directly to the NeoVac myEnergy app. There, users receive an overview of their personal consumption and a directly accessible energy cost bill.

    NeoVac also offers complete solutions for e-mobility infrastructure projects with a nationwide sales and service network. In addition, charging stations could "also be controlled depending on the PV system, battery storage or heat pump". This increases self-consumption and the profitability of photovoltaic systems.

  • Meyer Burger receives German funding

    Meyer Burger receives German funding

    Meyer Burger wants to produce heterojunction solar cells at the Bitterfeld-Wolfen site in Saxony-Anhalt, the technology group from Thun informs in a press release . A new facility is to be set up there for this purpose. Saxony-Anhalt and the Federal Republic of Germany support Meyer Burger's plans with grants of up to 22.5 million euros. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems had certified that Meyer Burger's technology had significant environmental benefits.

    "We are pleased about the environmental aid in a significant amount", CEO Gunter Erfurt is quoted in the message. "It proves that our heterojunction technology is not only more efficient, but also more environmentally friendly than conventional solar cell technologies."

    The company was able to receive the positive notifications about the donations as early as the end of 2020, the communication further explains. An annual production capacity of 1.4 gigawatts is stated there as a prerequisite for the payment. The expansion of capacities to the required 1.4 gigawatts is to be financed with borrowed capital and implemented as quickly as possible. Meyer Burger writes that the group is confident that it will be able to meet this requirement.

    Meyer Burger plans to produce 0.4 gigawatts of solar cells in Bitterfeld-Wolfen this year. They are processed into solar modules at the Freiberg site in Saxony.

  • Edisun Power's largest solar system is on the grid

    Edisun Power's largest solar system is on the grid

    The Edisun Power Group's Modouro photovoltaic system was connected to the electricity grid last week. According to a press release, this so far largest system of the solar power producer in the north-east of Portugal will produce around 80 million kilowatt hours of energy annually on an area of over 65 hectares. This corresponds to the annual requirement of around 20,000 people.

    Mogadouro is Edisun Power's first so-called merchant system: it was built without government subsidies or guarantees. The electricity produced is sold on the market. In order to secure the income in the first few years, a power purchase agreement with fixed-price purchase obligations was agreed with a Portuguese electricity trader.

    With the network connection, the group has reached “a major milestone”, the message continues. Thus, she is on track with regard to the growth strategy announced in 2019. She is also pushing the development of four other Portuguese projects with a total capacity of 150 megawatts “at full speed”.

  • Canton Uri provides 3 million energy-saving renovations

    Canton Uri provides 3 million energy-saving renovations

    The canton of Uri has adopted its Energy Uri 2021 funding program. In the coming year he wants to make a total of 3.1 million francs available for energy-efficient renovations. This means that the funds available are roughly as high as in the current record year 2020.

    The focus of the support program is the renovation of building envelopes, as the canton explains in a press release. These make a major contribution to ensuring that the federal and cantonal energy and climate targets can be achieved. With a subsidy rate of 60 francs per square meter, a high incentive will continue to be set for the renovation of the building envelope, it is said. The canton also offers advice in this area. In addition to the non-binding initial consultation at the Uri Energy Office, more detailed advice is now being launched.

    In addition to the renovation of buildings, the program also supports the replacement of old oil heating systems or solar energy.

  • Canton Uri increases stake in EWA-energieUri

    Canton Uri increases stake in EWA-energieUri

    As part of its energy strategy, the canton of Uri is aiming for a long-term majority stake in EWA-energieUri , inform the canton, EWA-energieUri and Centralschweizische Kraftwerke AG ( CWK ) in a joint message . In the coming years, the canton's participation in the energy and water supplier is to be expanded from the current 29 to 40 percent. To this end, the canton of Uri wants to take over a stake from CKW.

    A corresponding agreement has already been signed by the three partners, the message goes on to say. It regulates the acquisition of further shares by the canton in the course of awarding water rights concessions.

    Specifically, the canton of Uri is initially to receive a further 5 percent of the shares in EWA-energieUri when the Lucendro shares in Uri are awarded. The license is due to be renewed in 2024. The canton of Uri will transfer its shares in the Lucendro power plant to EWA-energieUri and in return will receive shares in the Uri energy supplier. The allocation of the shares from the Ritom, Wassen and Amsteg power plants to EWA-energieUri is intended to bring in a further 6 percent of the Uri energy supplier for the canton. The shares are assigned to the canton by CWK.

  • BKW strengthens building technology with takeovers

    BKW strengthens building technology with takeovers

    BKW Building Solutions, the building services division of BKW leads energy efficiency measures in buildings by. In order to strengthen this area, BKW has now expanded its network of installation companies and taken over two companies from the cantons of Valais and Zurich, the energy company informed in a press release .

    One of these is Elektro Nikolai GmbH . The company based in St.Niklaus, Valais, offers electrical installations in Mattertal and Zermatt. Under the umbrella of BKW, Elektro Nikolai is to work closely with Werner Electro AG, which has been part of BKW since 2018. "The addition of Elektro Nikolai GmbH strengthens the presence and positioning of BKW Building Solutions in Upper Valais and shows the region's great potential for the future," said Stefan Luggen from Werner Electro AG in the press release.

    On the other hand, Gloor Planzer AG will be included in the building technology division of BKW. The company from Männedorf specializes in the installation of air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems, writes BKW. The previous owners Roland and Sandra Gloor will continue to manage the business of Gloor Planzer AG under the umbrella of BKW.

  • Methanology relies on crowd financing

    Methanology relies on crowd financing

    Methanology has developed a process with which methanol can be produced from water, CO2 and renewable electricity, explains Methanology in a press release. With the patented willpower energy technology, excess energy from renewable sources can be stored in the form of methanol. Alcohol, which is toxic to humans, is suitable as fuel for machines or as a substitute for heating oil. The young company from Neuhausen am Rheinfall wants to contribute to the energy transition with its technology.

    A prototype of the willpower energy reactor developed by Methanology can be found as a single system in most basement rooms, the start-up writes in the press release. Its modular and scalable design also enables the production of larger quantities of methanol, such as would be necessary for the operation of a ship, for example. Methanology aims to bring its technology to market maturity within three years. For the appropriate development of the prototypes, the young company now has a campaign for swarm financing launched.

  • ABB is building off-grid charging stations with AFC

    ABB is building off-grid charging stations with AFC

    ABB and AFC Energy have agreed on a cooperation to bring hydrogen-powered charging of electric vehicles to the global market, according to a media release from AFC, based in Carnleigh, southeast of London. The cooperation with "the world leader in electrification technologies" ABB, so the announcement, found a global market of at least 140 billion dollars by 2030 for the charging of electric vehicles.

    Both companies want to use the hydrogen fuel cell system developed and manufactured by AFC, which supplies clean electricity for on-grid and off-grid applications. Off-grid charging stations for e-vehicles are also possible with such fuel cells and deliver CO2-free electricity. The partners will jointly market the integrated product and jointly develop a communication strategy for branding and use. It should be ready for use in the UK, Europe, the United States and other countries in the second half of 2021, according to the press release.

    Frank Muehlon, head of global e-mobility infrastructure solutions business at ABB, is quoted as saying, “ABB is a leader in e-mobility solutions and is proud to have played a key role in promoting e-vehicles around the world. The partnership with AFC Energy enables us to push the boundaries of e-mobility, especially with regard to off-grid applications, and thus enable a much greater range of e-mobility based on clean energy. ”Adam Bond, CEO of AFC Energy: "Today marks a historic milestone in the commercialization of our proprietary hydrogen fuel cell, as we begin a long-term collaboration with ABB." ABB offers strong and credible access to important customer channels in Europe and overseas.

    According to the announcement, the partnership will focus on the joint use of integrated high-performance EV charging systems in ABB's key markets. These are private users such as logistics companies and urban transport. The systems could also be used to supply power to ships and vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOL) because they are not connected to the grid.

  • CKW submits a license application for a hydropower plant

    CKW submits a license application for a hydropower plant

    CKW has submitted the concession and building application for the Waldemme small hydropower plant in Flühli LU to the Canton of Lucerne. In the past few months, the project has been revised with the involvement of environmental protection organizations, as CKW writes in a press release. In contrast to the original plan, the Lammschlucht gorge, among other things, is to remain untouched.

    According to CKW's plans, the power plant is to be completed by 2023. It should have an output of 1.4 megawatts and produce around 6.5 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. According to the information, this will cover the needs of around 1,500 four-person households. CKW expects an investment sum of around 13 million francs.

    With the investment, CKW is "making a contribution to a secure and sustainable energy supply" and "taking care of orders for the Lucerne economy", says CKW CEO Martin Schwab. The major part of the order volume will remain in the canton of Lucerne.

    Government Councilor Fabian Peter (FDP) welcomes the project. “The canton of Lucerne must also make its contribution to the energy transition in 2050 and to achieving the climate targets. There is potential for this in the field of renewable energies that should be used and promoted with suitable framework conditions ”, he is quoted in the communication from CKW.

  • BKW creates competence center for electromobility

    BKW creates competence center for electromobility

    According to a press release, BKW wants to become a full-range supplier in the field of electromobility. A new competence center is to be set up for this purpose. The services of this new center will according to the information include the planning, installation and integration of charging infrastructures. However, BKW will also be responsible for accounting, for example.

    With the competence center, BKW is responding to the increasing demand for electric vehicles. This also leads to increasing interest in integrated e-mobility solutions. According to BKW, vehicle manufacturers, garages and the real estate industry are particularly interested in such offers.

    "Coupling renewable energy production with the transport sector is one of the opportunities to integrate renewable energies into a reliable energy supply system", Suzanne Thoma, CEO of BKW, is quoted in the press release. "With the expansion of our competencies in the field of electromobility, we are supplementing our existing solutions for decentralized, renewable energy and heat production in buildings and thus offer cross-sector, integrated full-service energy solutions", Thoma continues.

  • GOFAST and fast food go together

    GOFAST and fast food go together

    The Swiss fast charging provider GOFAST is launching a project together with McDonald's Switzerland to expand the charging infrastructure for e-cars. According to a press release , a total of 90 new charging stations for electric vehicles are to be built at numerous locations in the fast-food chain. The fact that GOFAST was able to win a new partner in McDonald's Switzerland is a real stroke of luck for the steeply growing number of e-car drivers, says Domenic Lanz, Managing Director of the e-mobility company GOFAST, which was founded in 2016. GOFAST is an abbreviation for GOtthard FASTcharge AG based in Zurich.

    The usual charging time of 20 to 30 minutes for a range of – depending on the model and the charging capacity of the batteries – around 300 kilometers can be used while eating in the restaurant. With GOFAST HPC chargers (high-power charging), e-car drivers can recharge their vehicle with outputs of up to 150 kilowatts, the message explains. Ideally, a range of up to 150 kilometers could be achieved in ten minutes. Only Swiss electricity from renewable energies is used for charging.

    The expansion begins at the McDonald's restaurants at the Martigny motorway exit with six loading spaces. The next stops are the McDrives in Hinwil, Kölliken, La Tour-de-Trême and Lugano. Aglaë Strachwitz, Managing Director of McDonald's Switzerland, is quoted in the press release: “We at McDonald's have been committed to the environment together for years. Our logistics partner drives with biodiesel and biogas, made from our kitchen waste. We rely on the train as a means of transport, for electricity on hydropower and now increasingly on fast charging stations for our guests. "

  • Replacement modules from several solar technicians form a new system

    Replacement modules from several solar technicians form a new system

    In St.Gallen, several solar technicians have collected the remaining modules from photovoltaic systems that have already been implemented. Now they are jointly producing solar power on the roof of the building called Lattich at the St.Gallen freight yard. The unusual project, about which the city of St.Gallen reported in a media release , provides solar energy for ten four-person households.

    This photovoltaic system is a joint project of the St.Galler Stadtwerke (sgsw) and five solar energy companies that have the Swisssolar quality label Solarprofi: Helion , Etavis Grossenbacher AG , Grob AG Gebäudehüllen, Huber + Monsch AG and solarmotion GmbH . They all delivered the solar modules that were no longer needed. They planned and created the system together with SGSW.

    In return for their contribution to the project, the partners involved receive solar power units on the Lattich roof and thus benefit from a credit on their electricity bills. Solar power units from the St.Gallen Solar Community are still available to the public on the roof of the Lerchenfeld ice rink.

  • Sensors save up to 90 percent electricity at bus stops

    Sensors save up to 90 percent electricity at bus stops

    Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich ( VBZ ) and the municipal energy supplier ewz tested the use of new LED lighting at several stops in the first half of 2020. These are built in with motion sensors with which the light can be weakened to a tenth of its strength when nobody is at the stop.

    The tests have shown that power consumption can be reduced significantly. "Viewed across all illuminated bus stops, the average energy saving for LED lights with motion sensors is around 90 percent, with the situation-specific regulation of brightness additionally reducing light emissions," Martin Suter, head of bus stops at VBZ, is quoted in a statement from his company. In addition, the service life should be able to be more than doubled by weakening the light to 25 to 30 years, according to the announcement.

    In the next five years, the previous fluorescent tubes at all bus stops are to be replaced by the new LED lighting.

  • Leclanché is building the largest solar system in the Caribbean

    Leclanché is building the largest solar system in the Caribbean

    The energy storage company Leclanché , together with the government of the Caribbean island state of St. Kitts and Nevis and the state-owned Electric Company ( SKELEC ), broke ground “for a groundbreaking project”. As stated in a press release by the energy storage company, the largest solar power generation and storage system in the Caribbean is to be built on 102 hectares of land owned by the government over the next 18 months. In the first year of operation, it will generate around 61,300 megawatt hours of electricity.

    The $ 70 million microgrid project is being built by Leclanché. It should also represent a model project for other island states. Together with the most important subcontractor, the Spanish Grupotec , the Valais company will provide a turnkey solar plus storage solution. Leclanché will operate the facility through its subsidiary SOLEC Power Ltd. as part of its strategic build, ownership and operation model. with partner Solrid Ltd. own and operate.

    Up until now, tankers have been delivering diesel fuel on a weekly basis. According to the announcement, Prime Minister Timothy Harris described the project as a milestone for his country, tourism, the economy and the entire Caribbean region: "This visionary project will help ensure our energy independence." Tons of “save carbon dioxide emissions.

    Together they designed a system on site that saves SKELEC costly upfront investments, says Leclanché managing director Anil Srivastava: As part of a 20-year power purchase agreement, Leclanché will sell clean, renewable energy to SKELEC at a flat rate over this entire period.

  • ewz should produce more renewable electricity

    ewz should produce more renewable electricity

    According to a press release , the city council of Zurich has applied for a third credit line of 200 million francs for the ewz. These funds are to flow into energy production facilities that produce electricity from renewable sources. The voters of the City of Zurich will ultimately decide whether this application will be approved.

    As stated in the communication, since 2007 voters have approved three credit lines for investments in the production of wind energy and other renewable sources. In total, the amount was 420 million francs. With this, ewz acquired 18 wind farms in Germany, France, Sweden and Norway through the wholly-owned subsidiary of the city of Zurich, ewz (Deutschland) GmbH. This means that the ewz now has around one terawatt hour of electricity from wind. This corresponds to the current ewz share from the electricity production of the Gösgen nuclear power plant.

    With the 200 million francs that have now been applied for, the ewz wants to expand primarily wind turbines and hydropower plants in Switzerland and other European countries. The ewz is aiming again to invest a third of the credit line in systems in Switzerland.

    The ewz Germany group is responsible for all purchases and financing abroad. The city of Zurich describes it as one of its most important holdings. The city council therefore requests the municipal council to create a legal basis for ewz (Deutschland) GmbH in a separate submission.

  • Energy companies want to promote the expansion of hydrogen

    Energy companies want to promote the expansion of hydrogen

    The association of Swiss H2 producers , newly founded on Thursday, wants to campaign for better local conditions for the production of green hydrogen. So far, seven energy companies belong to the association. "Together they will help the CO2-neutral hydrogen production in Switzerland to break through", it says in their press release.

    Important areas of application could be found in heavy haulage, as a replacement for diesel on non-electrified railway lines and in the chemical industry. Production is preferably carried out directly from a hydro or wind power plant. Because only if the electricity required for the production of hydrogen comes from renewable sources, it is CO2-neutral.

    While neighboring countries recognize hydrogen technology as an indispensable part of the energy transition and state funding for it accordingly, Switzerland is still having a hard time with it. "In addition, the production of hydrogen in Switzerland has so far only been possible at a limited number of locations," said Arthur Janssen, President of the new association and Head of Innovation and Strategy at the Basel energy supplier IWB , quoted in the press release.

    In addition to these regulatory hurdles, few actors had sufficient knowledge. That is why the association members want to support each other in the planning and construction of new production facilities. The association also wants to work closely with universities and research institutes.

    The founding members include: Elektrizitätswerk Altdorf, Oiken, St. Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke, Satom, SIG and the joint ventures Swiss H2 Generation AG (from ENGIE Services AG and Groupe E) and greenH2 (Fritz Meyer AG and IWB).

  • Canton of Solothurn sells last Alpiq shares

    Canton of Solothurn sells last Alpiq shares

    The canton of Solothurn has sold the last remaining block of shares in the Lausanne energy company Alpiq to the regional energy supplier IBB from Brugg. According to a press release from the State Chancellery, the total price for the share package is around CHF 26 million. The end result for the canton is a one-off realized profit of CHF 5.2 million.

    The sale of these shares results from the reorganization of the Alpiq shareholder base. It essentially provides that three main groups of shareholders hold equal shares in Alpiq. These have agreed that in future they will purchase water from Alpiq in accordance with their respective share. For the government council of the canton of Solothurn, this is "entirely understandable and sensible for economic reasons". However, this obligation would mean "that he would inadvertently become a competitor of the regional energy suppliers as an electricity purchaser and trader". He wanted to avoid this.

    That is why the canton had already sold a package of shares worth 113 million francs to Primeo Energie and Regio Energie Solothurn in September. As the announcement goes on to say, the price per share was then as it is today at 70 francs.

  • EIP organizes a capital increase in favor of renewable energies

    EIP organizes a capital increase in favor of renewable energies

    Energy Infrastructure Partners ( EIP ), formerly Credit Suisse Energy Infrastructure Partners, organized a capital increase of 530 million euros for BayWa re. A corresponding contract was signed on Tuesday, according to a press release from EIP and another from BayWa re. The transaction leads to a 49 percent stake in one of the world's leading developers, service providers, wholesalers and providers of solutions in the field of renewable energies. In addition, according to EIP, “considerable added value” can be expected.

    The Munich-based company claims to have a "very strong project pipeline" of photovoltaic systems and onshore wind systems with a capacity of 13 gigawatts in more than 20 countries, primarily in Europe, the USA and the Asia-Pacific region. BayWa re now wants to strategically develop into an independent electricity producer with a target capacity of initially 3 gigawatts by 2028, says the EIP announcement: “The partners intend to use additional capital over time to significantly expand their own renewable plant base . "

    "We are pleased about this unique opportunity for our investors to participate in a comprehensive global platform for renewable energies", Tim Marahrens, Co-Head of Origination & Transactions at EIP, is quoted in the press release. He underlined the importance of the transaction in view of the ongoing market consolidation in the industry.

  • Zurich architects receive the European Solar Prize

    Zurich architects receive the European Solar Prize

    In awarding this year's Eurosolar prizes, Eurosolar honored the Zurich company Felix Partner Architektur in the solar architecture category for realizing a project at Bergün GR. According to a press release, a 350-year-old Graubünden farmhouse in Latsch was converted into a modern zero-energy house through consistent use of solar energy. The historical substance was preserved.

    The European Solar Prize has been awarded by Eurosolar since 1994 for particularly eligible projects in the field of renewable energies. Eurosolar is the short form of European Association for Renewable Energies e. V. The association has its seat in Bonn. The winners in the categories of municipalities, solar architecture, industry, regional associations, mobility, media and education contribute with their outstanding projects to regenerative and decentralized energy supply in Europe, according to the media release.

    Eurosolar President Peter Droege is quoted as saying that the award-winning projects are perfect examples of the ongoing transformation of the energy system: "Today's award winners show how the world can become completely renewable."

    In addition to the award for the best project in the solar architecture category by the Swiss architects, other award winners are highlighted in the communication. Such an island community that owns, manages and maintains its own energy network that supplies all residents with renewable electricity. There is also a film director who raises awareness of the ecological and social effects of coal power. And also to a so-called social enterprise, which enables an independent and low-carbon energy supply with mobile biogas technology.

  • NEST is planning a new STEP2 unit

    NEST is planning a new STEP2 unit

    A new unit will move into the Dübendorfer NEST , the research and innovation building of the Eidgenössischer Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt ( Empa ) and Eawag , the ETH Domain's water research institute. It bears the name STEP2 . According to a press release by Empa, two new floors are currently being planned on the existing NEST building for this innovation workshop.

    These are as forward-facing as the NEST itself: a spiral staircase in the shape of a spinal column from 3D printing will connect the two new floors. A ribbed filigree ceiling requires around a third less material than a conventional one, and an efficient building envelope should ensure optimal comfort. Further information on these and other innovative construction details as well as regular information on the creation of the unit are available on the STEP2 website .

    The project itself was initiated by BASF. Together with numerous other partners from science and industry, the STEP2 unit will work “purposefully” towards marketable, sustainable solutions for building envelopes, energy systems, digital and industrial production and the circular economy. “This interdisciplinary collaboration is intended to ensure that the leap onto the market can ultimately succeed as quickly as possible,” says Enrico Marchesi, Principal Innovation Manager at BASF, the main partner of the new unit.

    The project team, according to the announcement, is currently completing the preliminary project. The planning of the construction should start at the beginning of 2021. Completion is planned for summer 2022.

  • Limeco does not need to lower the price of municipal waste immediately

    Limeco does not need to lower the price of municipal waste immediately

    Limeco has achieved an interim success in the dispute with the price watchdog. As the company reports , the Federal Administrative Court has granted suspensive effect to the complaint made by the operator of the waste incineration plant in Dietikon. The St.Gallen judges are thus opposing the price watchdog, who wanted to deny the complaint this suspensive effect.

    In addition, as requested by Limeco, the judges also require the specialist authorities to be involved in the decision. These are the Office for Waste, Water, Energy and Air of the Canton of Zurich , the Federal Office for the Environment and the Federal Competition Commission .

    In an order in September , the price watchdog stated that “Limeco's price for the incineration of municipal waste was abusively too high”. He wanted to oblige Limeco as early as January 1, 2021, to lower the price that the municipalities would have to pay for the consignment to 102 francs per ton.

    Limeco then filed a complaint with the Federal Administrative Court in October. Limeco argued that the transfer prices corresponded to the requirements of the federal government and the canton of Zurich. They are appropriate and are necessary for “sustainable, cost-covering and polluter-friendly disposal of municipal waste”. The price watchdog made some false assumptions.

    The price monitor can comment on Limeco's complaint until mid-February.

  • Innosuisse promotes Blackstone Resources

    Innosuisse promotes Blackstone Resources

    The Swiss innovation agency Innosuisse will subsidize the development project of Blackstone Resources AG , which is estimated at 1.3 million francs. She has promised a grant of 50 percent. According to a media release from Blackstone Resources, this commitment will help finance the development of solid-state electrolytes and a “sophisticated” production simulation of 3D-printed solid-state batteries.

    The Baar-based company relies on lithium-ion batteries with solid-state electrolytes. Their industrial production is based on Blackstone's own 3D printing process, the press release said. A research consortium consisting of Blackstone Resources, the Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt ( Empa ) and the Bern University of Applied Sciences will upscale the synthesis of solid-state electrolytes developed by Empa.

    Because the electrolyte, i.e. the conductive part of the battery, is solid, solid-state batteries have several advantages: They are non-flammable and cannot leak. They manage without cooling, which increases their energy density and thus their storage capacity. And theoretically they can be loaded faster. Car manufacturers in particular are hoping for them because they could solve the range problem of electric cars.

    Against this background, Blackstone Resources AG sees “solid electrolytes as a key component for the next generation of battery technology” and will produce this technology “independently” in the future.

  • LEDcity makes lighting intelligent

    LEDcity makes lighting intelligent

    The Zurich cleantech start-up LEDcity has further developed its intelligent lighting solutions with the lamps called Halbautonom +. The light sensors integrated in it allow the light intensity to be continuously and locally adapted to requirements. This is made possible by the integration of a radar and light sensor as well as a radio module in each individual light source. This is how the lamps can communicate with each other, according to a press release from the start-up company. According to her, her system saves up to 90 percent of energy consumption.

    This lighting system, optimized with the help of artificial intelligence, can be configured via an app. "The integration of the battery-free and wireless light switch into the luminaire network enables us to switch between lighting scenarios and to override and dim the automatically suggested lighting", Samuel Stroppel from the Dübendorf facility service provider gammaRenax is quoted as saying. "This expands the possibilities for use in training rooms enormously." Since November 2020, the conference rooms of this LEDcity customer have been illuminated by the semi-autonomous + lighting solution.

    The start-up based in Technopark Zurich is working on the further development of a fully autonomous solution that no longer needs to be initially configured, the message goes on to say. In the future, the luminaires could use the data they have collected to autonomously order a replacement if a lamp fails or even support security personnel.

  • VoltWALL wins Boldbrain competition

    VoltWALL wins Boldbrain competition

    According to a report from ticino online, voltWALL is the main winner of this year's Boldbrain Startup Challenge . The start-up from Lugano with branches in New York, Rome, Sydney and Tel Aviv has developed a modular energy storage system called xBlade. Its areas of application range from charging electric cars in the garage to industrial solutions and solar parks.

    The company convinced the jury of the Ticino start-up competition that it would create jobs in the canton, according to a message on startupticker.ch. The first prize is endowed with 40,000 francs. In addition, the University of Italian Switzerland awards voltWALL a full scholarship worth 52,000 francs. In addition, the winner also received one of the special prizes from the Boldbrain sponsor Hemargroup.

    The two young companies Finar Module Tech and 4Devices Medical each won CHF 30,000 as second and third place. Finar developed an energy-saving LED lamp that has already been tested by Osram and Henkel. 4Devices builds miniature medical machines. Your first is a stent, which is designed to improve surgery on children with hydrotherapy. The start-ups WYTH and UNIVERSUS-OS followed , each receiving 10,000 francs in prize money. UNIVERSUS-OS also received the audience award.

    The Boldbrain Startup Challenge is organized by the Ticino innovation agency Fondazione Agire and the USI's Center for the Promotion of Business Start-ups. The competition is supported by the Ministry of Finance and Economics and the Ticino Cantonal Bank BancaStato .

  • Juice Technology and Athlon electrify vehicle fleets

    Juice Technology and Athlon electrify vehicle fleets

    Juice Technology AG and Athlon Germany GmbH are promoting the electrification of car fleets. The manufacturer of charging stations and software based in Cham and the Düsseldorf leasing provider and fleet manager have jointly developed a mobile charging station. It should make charging company vehicles as convenient as possible in different situations.

    The Juice Booster 2 could cover all areas of application, explains the founder and CEO of Juice Technology, Christoph Erni, in a press release : as a mounted wallbox, as a mobile charging station and as a type 2 charging cable for public charging stations. "The Juice Booster 2 is the ideal charging option, especially for field staff, sales and transport services who usually cover long distances through supraregional areas of use and cannot charge at home or in the company every evening", says André Girnus, Managing Director of Athlon Germany same passage quoted. "With Juice Technology we have found an innovative partner to equip our customers in the best possible way."

    The charger is compatible with all electric cars with type 1 and type 2 connections. According to the company, the integrated DC and AC fault detection effectively triggers at the prescribed value. As a result, the supply line does not require an additional expensive FI-B circuit breaker. With a cable length of five meters and a theft-proof adapter lock, the electric car can be parked flexibly for the charging process.

    In addition, the TÜV-certified Juice Booster 2 is the world's first mobile charging station with up to 22 kilowatts that corresponds to the currently valid IEC 62752 standard and enables one to three-phase charging of e-vehicles with up to 32 amperes. The mobile charger is also ideal for international use.

  • Empa presents three innovation awards

    Empa presents three innovation awards

    The Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt ( Empa ) has honored three of its groundbreaking projects and achievements with the Empa Innovation Award. The prize, endowed with CHF 5,000, has been awarded every two years since 2006. In doing so, Empa honors the efforts of its researchers to build further bridges between science and business with applied, market-oriented research.

    According to a press release by Empa, the first prize goes to the novel tissue adhesive technology Nanoglue. It was developed by researchers at the Particles-Biology Interactions Laboratory at Empa in St.Gallen in collaboration with the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich . Their radically new approach uses the wound-healing properties of inorganic nanoparticles. The inexpensive materials could be manufactured on a large scale. The “unique technology” is now being brought to market maturity by the Zurich start-up anavo medical , which has yet to be founded.

    The transparent face mask from the Hello Mask project by Empa and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne ( EPFL ) also received an award. It consists of a fine membrane with a pore size of around 100 nanometers. This membrane allows air to pass through, but holds back viruses and bacteria. “The fully see-through mask was developed primarily with the aim of improving the relationship between caregivers and patients,” says researcher Joshua Avossa. The Geneva start-up HMCare has been working on the market launch of the Hello Mask from Empa and EPFL since 2020. It should be available in mid-2021.

    The software platform Urban Sympheny for planning sustainable energy systems is the third winner. The Empa spin-off of the same name, based in Dübendorf, helps planners to identify optimal solutions for their location and their customers. The goal is energy and cost efficiency. The innovative platform was developed in Empa’s Urban Energy Systems department. Last year Venture Kick awarded Urban Sympheny 50,000 francs.

  • Window manufacturer 4B wins innovation award

    Window manufacturer 4B wins innovation award

    4B AG , based in Hochdorf, is one of the winners of the Innovation Award 2020/21, which was presented for the first time by the Swiss Institute for Quality Tests ( SIQT ). The award is based on the number of patents held by Swiss companies between 2017 and 2019. The jury took into account data from both the Swiss Patent Office and those from foreign patent offices. The winners of the prize are companies or research institutions that “have an above-average score” in their segment or in a CPC class (Cooperative Patent Classification), explains the SIQT in a press release.

    4B AG is continuously developing new products and services. For this purpose, the window manufacturer operates its own innovation department with product management, development and a test laboratory. One of the company’s developments is a threshold-free balcony door. However, 4B also researches the topic of intelligent windows, for example. “Windows are currently becoming more and more intelligent and will be able to carry out increasingly smart functions in the future,” the company explains in a press release . Intelligent windows should, for example, increase energy efficiency and simplify the handling and maintenance of windows.

    4B is owned by the Bachmann family and was created in 1896 from the joinery of the same name. The company employs more than 660 people and most recently achieved annual sales of around 170 million francs.

  • Trafigura invests in H2 Energy

    Trafigura invests in H2 Energy

    The Dutch commodity trading giant Trafigura , with a branch in Geneva, is investing heavily in the Zurich-based H2 Energy Holding . In a first step, the company has committed, according to its media release , to provide 62 million dollars. 20 million of this will flow into H2 Energie AG as a capital contribution. This is intended to support the development of the production, storage and distribution of green hydrogen for filling stations and industrial customers.

    Trafigura, one of the world’s largest traders in fossil fuels, will provide the remaining 40 million dollars to set up and finance a 50:50 joint venture, H2 Energy Europe, based in Zurich. It aims to bring green, hydrogen-based ecosystems to the markets. In addition, it will invest in hydrogen infrastructure and in projects that work with hydrogen throughout Europe, with the exception of Switzerland.

    H2 Energy has developed “a successful business model that is present in every part of the hydrogen value chain,” said Jeremy Weir, Executive Chairman and CEO of Trafigura, in the press release. “And by providing fuel cell solutions on a large scale, they have created a demand for hydrogen.” Now Trafigura will contribute its ability to further develop traditional supply chains and open up new markets.

    The joint focus is on the profitable decarbonization of various sectors, says H2 Energy boss Rolf Huber. “The joint venture with Trafigura will enable the partners to carry out the planned projects across Europe. In addition, it will enable us to further develop fuel cell applications for the transport sector on land and at sea, but also for stationary applications. “

  • Axpo goes to Greece

    Axpo goes to Greece

    The Swiss energy producer Axpo will in future have a permanent branch in Greece. According to a press release , the company wants to offer services to Greek customers and partner companies there. That ranges from risk management to support with market access. Axpo will therefore be active in Greece across the entire energy supply chain. The Athens office is headed by Vasileios Machias, the newly appointed Country Manager. Axpo reports that he has more than 16 years of experience in international energy trading and has worked for numerous large energy trading companies such as EDF and Gazprom.

    Domenico De Luca, Head of Trading and Sales at Axpo, is quoted in the press release: “We know the importance of local market knowledge for our customers. So I am all the more pleased that Vasileios Machias has joined Axpo and will manage the newly established branch in Greece. ”Axpo will support its customers in the transition to a low-carbon economy with tailor-made services.

    The plan is to work with non-state electricity producers in the use of renewable energies. In addition, according to the announcement, Axpo will support local energy providers with the supply of liquidity to cover their market risks.

    According to its own information, Axpo has 5,000 employees working for customers in 40 countries in Europe, North America and Asia in order to offer innovative energy solutions based on the latest technology.

  • Association for sustainable building is founded

    Association for sustainable building is founded

    The newly created Association for Sustainable Building Biological Building (VNBB) aims to make the construction industry more sustainable and climate-friendly. To this end, knowledge and skills are to be promoted and integrated into vocational training.

    As stated in a press release, the non-profit organization was initiated by Dr. Thea Rauch-Schwegler from the Baubioswiss Association over the past few years. Timber construction Switzerland , building envelope Switzerland , JardinSuisse , Lignum – Holzwirtschaft Schweiz and the Swiss Association of Painters and Plasterers have joined as founding members. Its new office in Wallisellen is also the seat of the VNBB. The management of the VNBB office is advertised. New club members and partners are expressly welcome.

    In 2019, the examination regulations for the advanced specialist examination for experts in healthy and sustainable building were recognized by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. In this way, according to the VNBB, “the gap in higher vocational training in the field of sustainable building can be closed”. The first preparatory course for the diploma will start in 2022. At the same time, professional associations have also recognized the importance of the topic and decided to tackle the issue of sustainability in vocational training together.