immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Energy

  • Researchers are working on clean water for cities of the future

    Researchers are working on clean water for cities of the future

    Researchers from the Dübendorf-based aquatic research institute Eawag and the School of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland(FHNW) are involved in the EU project UrbanM20. According to a press release, the project, which is led by the Danish Technical University of Copenhagen(DTU), is dedicated to improving the monitoring and management of urban water management.

    The aim of the international project is to improve the quality of urban water in the cities of the future. Water utilisation, consumption and wastewater are to be monitored and stored in data exchange systems. Digital twins will be used to develop flexible programmes that improve water quality management.

    Twenty partners from ten countries are participating in the project. From Switzerland, for example, the City of Zurich Department of Waste Management and Recycling(ERZ) and the Association of Swiss Wastewater and Water Protection Experts(VSA) are on board. The participants want to develop intelligent sensors that use artificial intelligence to improve the monitoring of water quality. The digital twins are intended to help identify pollution problems and plan solutions. “We also want to support the authorities with practical guidelines to better monitor and maintain their existing systems,” said project coordinator Luca Vezzaro from the DTU in the press release.

    The UrbanM20 project is being funded by the EU with 5 million euros through the Horizon Europe programme. The Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is also supporting the project with 1 million euros.

  • New solar plant boosts renewable energy production in the Alpine region

    New solar plant boosts renewable energy production in the Alpine region

    Swisspower AG has received approval from the canton of Graubünden for the construction of the Alpin Parsenn large-scale photovoltaic plant. According to a government press release, the decision is subject to conditions, although these are not specified.

    Swisspower AG is acting as the overall project manager. It represents Energie Wasser Bern(ewb), Industrielle Werke Basel(IWB) and Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG(EWD).

    The project, which until recently ran under the name Parsenn Solar, was approved by the Davos electorate on December 17, 2023. According to its press release from November 2024, Swisspower expected to receive the cantonal building permit before the end of last year; the ongoing work was fully geared towards the start of construction in summer 2025.

    According to the cantonal government, the solar plant will be built at an altitude of 2,500 meters in the Parsenn ski area, which already has an infrastructure and covers an area of almost 14 hectares. With 1493 module tables, it will produce around 12.1 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. In the earlier announcement, there was still talk of more than 10 gigawatt hours, which will supply around 2,200 four-person households in future. Logistical access will be provided via existing access roads. The use of helicopters and walking excavators for minimally invasive installation is also planned.

    Swisspower, based in Zurich, was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Swiss municipal and public utilities that supply their areas with electricity, natural gas, heat and drinking water. The alliance is supported by 22 shareholder partners from all over Switzerland.

  • ETH spin-off teaches the construction industry how to save money

    ETH spin-off teaches the construction industry how to save money

    The ETH spin-off is making its mark on the grounds of Innovation Park Zurich. A three-and-a-half-ton dumper truck is presented at customer demos with the specially developed hybrid drive. The construction industry is facing enormous challenges in view of the three gigatons of CO₂ emissions produced by its machines worldwide. The hybrid drive enables a reduction of 30 to 50 percent in fuel consumption and emissions. A revolution for construction companies facing increasingly strict environmental regulations.

    Efficiency and development as an ongoing task
    The pressure to innovate is high. In order to remain competitive and meet future requirements, the team is constantly working on further developments and optimizing the technology for various applications. Cooperation with construction and machinery companies ensures practical solutions, while the location in the IPZ pavilion offers ideal conditions for research and development.

    From prototype to series production
    Following intensive collaboration with partners, series production is imminent. This means that the innovative hybrid drive will soon be widely used and make a significant contribution to decarbonization and cost reduction in the construction industry. The technology combines power and flexibility with ecological responsibility. A model that will give the Swiss construction industry a new boost.

    The company impressively demonstrates how technological innovations master the balancing act between efficiency, economy and sustainability. The path to the future of construction leads via intelligent drives.

  • HSLU optimizes metal recycling with AI

    HSLU optimizes metal recycling with AI

    Almost two million tons of scrap metal are generated in Switzerland every year, of which up to 95% is recycled. However, the high return rate conceals a central problem. Impurities, such as copper in scrap steel or tin from coatings, make a large proportion of recycled steel unsuitable for high-quality applications. Instead of being used in vehicle construction or mechanical engineering, this steel is mostly used in civil engineering, where lower purity requirements apply.

    Downcycling is economically and strategically risky
    The so-called downcycling effect means that valuable raw materials are not used optimally. As a country with few raw materials, Switzerland is dependent on imports for high-quality metals. Every tonne that is recycled to a high standard strengthens the autonomy and resilience of the Swiss economy, especially in politically uncertain times.

    AI sensor technology for efficiency and quality
    In the ReRe research project and the Innosuisse project Reinvent, HSLU and partners are demonstrating how intelligent sensors, combined with self-learning AI, enable precise analysis of scrap metal at collection points. Critical components such as batteries or pressure vessels are detected at an early stage, which significantly improves the sorting processes. If only 15% of the returned scrap is recycled to a high quality, up to 36,000 tons of CO₂ and around 30 million Swiss francs can be saved annually.

    Systemic approaches for a modern circular economy
    The Reinvent study, funded by Innosuisse, analyzed the entire metal recycling system, from material flows and players to business models. In addition to technological innovations, standards, transparency and reliable traceability data are essential, as are economic incentives for all stakeholders along the value chain.

    Ensuring future viability
    Among other things, the HSLU scientists recommend integrating sensor technologies across the board, creating standardized data systems for traceability and strengthening cooperation across all stakeholder groups. The targeted promotion of reuse practices should also be anchored in technology and regulation so that high-quality recycling becomes the industry standard.

    Metal recycling as the key to Swiss raw material sovereignty
    With AI and systemic innovations, scrap metal becomes a valuable material. Switzerland can close the raw materials cycle and build a sustainable, resilient industry.

  • Disbursements of subsidies for energy-efficient refurbishments stagnate in 2024

    Disbursements of subsidies for energy-efficient refurbishments stagnate in 2024

    The Swiss federal and cantonal building programme, which promotes measures to reduce the energy consumption or CO2 emissions of properties, distributed around CHF 528 million in subsidies in 2024. According to a press release, the amount paid out remains at the level of the record year 2023 and has stagnated for the first time since 2016.

    The subsidies for technical building systems increased by 5 per cent in 2024 to around 228 million francs (2023: 216 million francs) and enabled the replacement of 25,633 oil, gas or electric heating systems, 84 per cent of which with climate-friendly heat pumps. CHF 131 million was spent on thermal insulation projects, CHF 89 million on system renovations and CHF 23 million on district heating projects.

    Energy-efficient new buildings in accordance with Minergie-P or GEAK-A/A standards received CHF 43 million last year, a significant increase of 76 per cent compared to the previous year. cHF 17 million went towards information and training projects as well as quality assurance, two thirds of which went towards the creation of cantonal energy certificates with an advisory report.

    Subsidy commitments from the buildings programme amounted to around CHF 542.5 million in 2024, the majority of which (CHF 190 million) went to building technology projects and around a quarter (CHF 123 million) to system renovations.

    Thanks to the federal and cantonal subsidies, measures were implemented in 2024 that will save around 12 billion kilowatt hours and 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime, according to the press release. The impact per franc of funding also improved from 152 francs per tonne of CO2 (2023) to 147 francs in 2024.

  • Fast charging of batteries reaches new milestone

    Fast charging of batteries reaches new milestone

    Designwerk Technologies AG, based in Winterthur, has achieved a charging capacity of over 1 megawatt in a fast-charging test of a lorry battery under real-life conditions. This success means that fast charging of large batteries for electric lorries is now a reality and the hurdle for long-distance transport has been overcome, according to a press release.

    The test took place under real-life conditions at the depot of the motorway VI service area in Oberbüren. A peak output of 1140 kilowatts was achieved. This is 8 per cent more than the specification of 1050 kilowatts. It took 42 minutes to fully charge a 1000-kilowatt battery from 10 to 80 per cent. With this charge, a 40-tonne electric truck can cover a distance of more than 500 kilometres. The required charging time is within the time frame of legally prescribed breaks for the driver.

    “Thanks to Mega Charging, a 40-tonne truck charges as quickly as an electric car – only with significantly more power,” Niels Ross, Project Manager Charging Technology at Designwerk, is quoted as saying in the press release. “This is the key to electrifying heavy goods transport.”

    The use of electric trucks can save thousands of tonnes of CO2 every year. In Switzerland, registrations of battery-electric trucks rose by 41.2 per cent in the first two quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the press release.

  • Feasibility study for regional wind farm launched

    Feasibility study for regional wind farm launched

    Energy producer Axpo is examining the feasibility of a wind farm together with the two local communities of Rüthi and Sennwald and the political municipality of Rüthi. According to a press release, three wind turbines are planned in Rüthi, one in Altstätten SG and three in Sennwald. Together, they could generate around 54 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, even in winter. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of 11,500 households.

    Axpo informed the population in Rüthi on 25 August and in Sennwald on 26 August. Experts from the canton and Axpo answered citizens’ questions. The Axpo wind mobile was also on site to explain the technology and show a 3D visualisation of the potential wind farm.

    The press release quotes the mayor of Rüthi, Irene Schocher, who welcomes the transparent clarification of the wind potential and the early involvement of the local population: “A sound basis for decision-making is essential in order to realistically assess the potential of a wind farm in our region.” The local community of Sennwald is in favour of the project, according to its president Daniel Berger. It sees “the planned wind farm as an opportunity to strengthen the regional energy supply and make an active contribution to the energy transition.”

    A wind measuring mast will be erected in October 2025 to collect data on wind and bat activity for over a year. The economic viability of the project will then be assessed and a decision made on further planning. If it is realised, the local communities and the local population can participate in a project company.

  • New partnership promotes permanent carbon removal

    New partnership promotes permanent carbon removal

    The Bern-based ClimateTech company Neustark has been awarded a multi-year contract for CO2 removal (CDR) by Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss), according to a press release. For the first time, a representative of the aviation and construction industries are joining forces to work together to permanently reduce carbon emissions, the press release continues. Both sectors are considered high-emission industries that are difficult to decarbonise, according to Valentin Gutknecht, co-founder and co-CEO of Neustark.

    For the start-up, which was founded as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) in 2019, the partnership paves the way for a Europe-wide expansion of carbon capture, storage and removal technology. “Pioneers like Swiss play a crucial role in the further expansion of our CO2 removal technology, enabling us to permanently remove exponentially more tonnes of hard-to-avoid CO2 emissions from the atmosphere every day,” Gutknecht is quoted as saying.

    Neustark’s solution is based on the reutilisation of concrete from demolished buildings and mineral waste materials. The technology triggers an accelerated mineralisation process in which CO2 is bound to the pores and surface of the granulate and thus permanently removed from the air. The demolition granulate can then be reused in carbonised form in the construction of roads or for the production of recycled concrete.

    The partnership was concluded with the option of extending the volume and duration and is part of a long-term initiative to remove CO2 from Swiss. The airline, which is part of the Lufthansa Group, already has partnerships with Swiss climate technology companies such as Climeworks and Synhelion, according to the statement: “The permanent removal of CO2 is an important building block on the way to net zero in aviation. Together, we are taking an important step towards scaling this technology,” CEO Jens Fehlinger is quoted as saying.

  • Basel tests CO2-free operation of construction sites

    Basel tests CO2-free operation of construction sites

    The Department of Construction and Transport of the Canton of Basel-Stadt is analysing possibilities for the electrification of construction sites on the basis of a pilot test. In cooperation with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the planning office EcoForce GmbH from Schötz LU and partners, the department is working on the basis for the future use of electric construction machinery, according to a joint press release.

    As a first step, an above-ground waste collection point for glass, tinplate, aluminium and batteries in Spalenring will be replaced by an underground one in Hegenheimerstrasse from the end of August until the end of October 2025. If collection containers are located below ground level, they are “more user- and disabled-friendly, cause less noise, blend in better with the cityscape and need to be emptied less frequently thanks to their larger capacity”.

    According to the information provided, the construction of a recycling collection centre with electric construction machinery serves as a test environment. “From the excavator to the wheel loader to the dumper”, the machines run purely electrically. The aim is for the Department of Construction and Transport to gain insights into the technical and organisational requirements for the electrification of future civil engineering projects.

    In order to draw a comparison with conventional construction sites, a second underground recycling collection point at St. Johann-Platz is being built with diesel machines. The CO2 emissions, electricity requirements and noise emissions as well as infrastructure requirements are of interest. Step two involves working with regional construction companies to draw up a concept for the necessary adjustments when converting to electric operation. According to the cantonal climate protection strategy, the operation of construction sites in the canton of Basel-Stadt should be CO2-neutral from 2037.

  • Discussion about security of supply and dependence on nuclear power

    Discussion about security of supply and dependence on nuclear power

    The Gösgen nuclear power plant(KKG) is modernizing its feed water system. It has therefore been off the grid since the end of June. The resumption of electricity production has now been delayed by a further six months, according to a statement.

    KKG blames this on the increasing safety requirements. The system needs to be strengthened at certain points. It also needs more time to provide evidence to the authorities. The KKG can only be restarted once the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate(ENSI) has given its approval. The KKG is therefore expected to be able to return to the grid at the end of February 2026, according to the press release.

    The operators expect a loss of production during these eight months amounting to almost 6 terawatt hours and a loss of revenue of 500 million Swiss francs, Alpiq writes in a press release.

    Alpiq is the largest single shareholder with 40 percent and expects a loss of earnings of CHF 200 million. Axpo is the second-largest shareholder with 25 percent, followed by the city of Zurich with 15 percent, Axpo subsidiary CKW with 12.5 percent and Energie Wasser Bern(ewb) with 7.5 percent. On top of this, the shareholders must now procure the missing electricity on the free market in order to meet their supply obligations.

    KKG covers a good tenth of Switzerland’s electricity consumption. Critics of nuclear power such as the Swiss Energy Foundation SES point out the risks of centralized power generation. “Dependence on individual nuclear power plants represents a cluster risk for the secure supply of electricity,” Managing Director Nils Epprecht is quoted as saying in an SES press release. “We would do well to shift our electricity production to many decentralized, renewable plants as quickly as possible.”

  • New paving blocks reduce CO2 emissions in construction

    New paving blocks reduce CO2 emissions in construction

    CREABETON, a building materials company based in the canton of Lucerne and a subsidiary of Müller-Steinag Baustoff AG, has developed a new series of cement-free paving blocks in collaboration with the start-up Oxara. According to a press release, the new concrete blocks produce 30 percent less CO2 emissions than conventional paving blocks.

    The new product is available in three variants. In addition to the standard paving block version, water-permeable or grass paving blocks can also be laid. Instead of conventional cement, the material uses the Oulesse binder developed by Oxara, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH).

    “With these products, we are responding to the growing demand for climate-friendly construction solutions,” said Hendrix Müller, CEO of the Müller-Steinag Group, in the press release. “Our collaboration with Oxara enables us to offer our customers more sustainable alternatives – today, not in a few years’ time.” Martin Bodmer, Head of Operations at Oxara, is convinced that the collaboration with CREABETON can scale up his company’s sustainable developments.

  • New energy park brings the energy transition to life

    New energy park brings the energy transition to life

    The Grisons University of Applied Sciences (FHGR) has set up the new Grischa Energy Park on the Kuhrerhof and in the Rheinmühle in Chur. The park is intended as an experience and research center in the field of energy and environmental research, according to a press release.

    Embedded in an agricultural environment, work on photovoltaics, small-scale hydropower, wood gasification, wind power and biogas will come together at one location. The aim is to show the general public how renewable energies can be generated, stored and used. “At the Grischa Energy Park, the energy transition goes from an abstract concept to a tangible reality”, explains Steffi Giaracuni, project manager at the Institute for Multimedia Production at the Grisons University of Applied Sciences, in the press release. “Here, people can see, hear and feel how renewable energies are created – and how we can integrate them into our everyday lives together.”

    In the first implementation phase, work on the topics of wood, water and sun will be presented, followed by biogas, wind power and innovative digital communication tools by 2026.

    The project is supported by the UAS Graubünden, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the Klima Grischa Foundation and other regional partners. On August 28, experts from the fields of energy policy, innovation promotion, urban development, local energy solutions and agriculture will be answering questions from the public about Switzerland’s energy future at a science café.

  • Swiss electricity supply 2050 on the brink of major expansion

    Swiss electricity supply 2050 on the brink of major expansion

    The electrification of transportation, heating and industry will drive electricity consumption from 56 terawatt hours today to around 75 terawatt hours per year. At the same time, 23 terawatt hours will be lost from nuclear power plants. The EDGE research network has calculated that Switzerland can achieve its target of 45 terawatt hours from new renewable energies, but only with a strong expansion of photovoltaics and wind power.

    Expansion of photovoltaics and wind energy
    Photovoltaics would have to quadruple its capacity from the current 6.4 gigawatts to almost 27 gigawatts. Wind power would need to be expanded more than 80-fold, from 0.1 to 8.4 gigawatts by 2050. Wind energy plays a key role, particularly in winter. The researchers emphasize that this expansion would hardly be possible without subsidies.

    Dependence on the European electricity market
    The Electricity Act limits winter imports to a maximum of 5 terawatt hours. Strict implementation would significantly increase investments and costs. More wind and solar power plants would be needed and the price of electricity could double. Restricting EU electricity trading by 70 percent would require additional wind capacity and further increase costs. EDGE researchers therefore see access to the European electricity market as crucial.

    Investments flow abroad
    More than half of Swiss investments in renewable energy projects currently flow abroad, primarily to Germany, France and Italy. Only around one percent remains in Switzerland. The reason for this is the limited opportunities for realization in Switzerland. Wind energy projects in particular are financed by Swiss investors abroad.

    Costs of the energy transition
    The transformation to net zero will result in rising prices for fossil fuels, goods and services. For Swiss households, this means annual consumption losses of 0.6 to 1 percent, depending on the scenario. If emissions are not offset abroad, the burden will increase further. At the same time, the researchers emphasize that the costs of unchecked climate change would be significantly higher.

    Switzerland can achieve its energy targets by 2050, but only with a massive expansion of photovoltaics and wind energy, close European market integration and targeted investments. The challenge remains to reconcile security of supply, climate targets and costs.

  • New silicon acids could destroy “eternal chemicals”

    New silicon acids could destroy “eternal chemicals”

    Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, PFAS for short, are considered “eternal chemicals” as they do not degrade in the environment. Their highly stable carbon-fluorine bond resists light, water and microorganisms. This is precisely where the newly developed super Lewis acids come in. They exhibit extreme “electron greed” and directly attack the resistant structures of PFAS.

    Complex production with a big impact
    For a long time, these compounds were only considered a theoretical concept. Only innovative methods such as protolysis made it possible to produce them synthetically. Proven processes from carbon chemistry were transferred to silicon. The experiments were highly sensitive. They had to be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere, as even the slightest traces of oxygen or water would prevent the reactions.

    Quantum mechanics provides the key
    For the first time, the strength of these molecules was fully predicted using quantum mechanics. These calculations not only confirmed the extreme reactivity, but also enabled a precise understanding of the mechanisms. Spectroscopic methods such as NMR validated the predictions. The combination of theory and experiment is therefore a milestone in catalysis research.

    Catalysts for environmental protection
    The new super Lewis acids behave like catalysts. They change during the reaction, but regenerate again and are not permanently consumed. This means that the smallest quantities are sufficient to render highly toxic PFAS compounds harmless… A decisive advantage over previous approaches.

    With silicon-based super Lewis acids, a realistic solution to the global PFAS problem is within reach for the first time. They could become a key instrument for recycling, green chemistry and the protection of the environment and health.

  • Digital twins for energy systems are gaining in importance

    Digital twins for energy systems are gaining in importance

    Sympheny has reached a milestone on its journey as a partner of Californian company ESRI and its Swiss branch in Zurich: Sympheny, which was founded in 2020 and is based in Technopark Winterthur, has officially completed ESRI’s three-year start-up programme.

    The “invaluable support, resources and opportunities” received during this time have made it possible to integrate the global company’s geodata technology into its own solutions for energy systems. “From optimising urban energy planning to improving spatial decision making, the ESRI ecosystem has been instrumental in driving our innovation,” Sympheny said.

    Sympheny offers digital twin-based services for energy planners and managers to enable them to achieve their sustainability goals “with minimum cost and maximum confidence,” the start-up said in a self-promotion. “Digital twin algorithms = intelligent services.” To this end, Sympheny provides its subscription-based SaaS platform on which they can develop, manage and continuously use their digital twin of the energy system.

    In the next phase, the partnership between Sympheny and ESRI will be deepened with new joint projects. Sympheny is also “proud to have ESRI as an observer in our GOES project“. GOES is an EU Horizon 2020 project in which innovative geodata solutions for energy planning are being researched. It is coordinated by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) in Dübendorf ZH and comprises eight partners from five EU countries and the USA.

    According to the press release, Sympheny is also looking forward to further collaboration with the Urban ArcGIS team, ESRI’s web-based 3D solution for urban planning projects. Sympheny is particularly keen to promote the topic of energy.

  • Photovoltaic system combines culture with sustainability

    Photovoltaic system combines culture with sustainability

    In future, the Museum Langmatt will produce renewable solar power with a 40/45 kilowatt photovoltaic system, enough for the annual consumption of 15 to 20 flats. The grey in-roof modules were installed by Regionalwerke Baden. According to a statement from Regionalwerke, the modules were in keeping with the spirit of the museum, which was built by Sidney Brown, co-founder of the technology group ABB: “Contemporary technology is perfectly compatible with the historical spirit of the Langmatt,” says Markus Stegmann, Director of the Langmatt Museum.

    The PV system is installed on the roof of the newly installed glass pavilion in the park, which was built as part of the complete renovation and expansion of the complex. “The pavilion is intended for readings, concerts and aperitifs for group visits,” says Stegmann.

    While the PV modules have already been in operation for a month, the renovation work is not expected to be completed until next year. The art nouveau villa Langmatt, which now houses the museum, was built around 125 years ago on behalf of the art-loving industrialist couple Brown. The museum therefore houses an important collection of French Impressionists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

  • Local communities to promote solar expansion

    Local communities to promote solar expansion

    The city of Zurich is interested in expanding solar power production in the city as quickly as possible. To this end, the city’s own electricity utility(ewz) is launching a new offer via local electricity communities (LEG). In future, owners of large photovoltaic systems (PV systems) will be able to sell their surplus electricity directly to households in the neighbourhood, the city administration announced in a press release. Previously, it was only possible to feed surplus electricity into the ewz grid.

    With the ewz.solarquartier offer, ewz will take over the networking of interested producers and consumers of solar power as well as administration and billing. The owners receive a stable revenue of 12 centimes per kilowatt hour supplied. “This means that LEG can generate up to 10 per cent more revenue than with the return delivery alone,” explains ewz Director Benedikt Loepfe. Households purchase the electricity at the price of the standard ewz.natur product.

    “The installed capacity of PV systems in the city of Zurich has more than quadrupled in the last ten years or so,” explains City Councillor Michael Baumer. The city wants to further strengthen this growth trend wherever possible, explains the head of the Department of Industrial Operations, where ewz is based. “In addition to the various measures already underway, a good offer for LEG helps to make the realisation of solar installations in the city even more attractive.”

  • Renovation incentives secure energy targets and the construction industry

    Renovation incentives secure energy targets and the construction industry

    The building stock plays a key role in reducing emissions and closing the winter electricity gap. Energy modernization measures such as better insulation or the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps are key levers for achieving energy and climate targets. However, without targeted incentives, the necessary momentum to trigger investments on a large scale is lacking.

    Criticism of the imputed rental value bill
    The bill to be voted on on September 28 not only provides for the abolition of the imputed rental value, but also the elimination of deductions for building maintenance and energy-related investments. Bauenschweiz warns that this threatens to put a stop to renovations, with serious consequences for local SMEs in the construction and crafts sector and for climate protection. Instead of creating incentives, such a system change would prevent renovations, weaken the trade and place a burden on SMEs.

    Study shows enormous efficiency potential
    A recent study by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and FLUMROC illustrates just how great the opportunities are. A combination of heat pumps and an optimized building envelope could reduce electricity consumption in Switzerland by 5.3 terawatt hours per year. This could cover almost ten percent of total consumption and practically close the winter electricity gap.

    Switzerland is at a turning point in its energy policy. Instead of creating barriers to investment, we need framework conditions that promote energy-efficient renovations, strengthen the construction industry and fully exploit the contribution of the building stock to the climate transition.

  • Nuclear waste as a resource for the energy transition

    Nuclear waste as a resource for the energy transition

    Nuclear power polarizes! While some countries are phasing it out, elsewhere it remains a central pillar of the energy supply. However, they all have one problem in common – radioactive waste. Thousands of tons of highly radioactive materials are already stored around the world and their safe storage costs billions. Now, however, an idea is coming to the fore that could turn this waste into a valuable raw material.

    Tritium is the key to nuclear fusion
    Nuclear fusion is seen as the beacon of hope for the future of energy. In contrast to nuclear fission, it does not rely on decay, but on the fusion of atomic nuclei. Similar to the sun. Using deuterium and tritium as fuel, huge amounts of energy can be generated with virtually no climate-damaging emissions and significantly less waste. While deuterium is readily available, tritium remains extremely scarce. Only around 25 kilograms currently exist worldwide, too little for widespread use in energy production.

    Nuclear waste as a source for the fuel of the future
    This is where Terence Tarnowsky’s research at Los Alamos National Laboratory comes in. Radioactive waste from existing nuclear power plants could be used to produce relevant quantities of tritium. This would address two challenges at the same time. The safe and expensive storage of nuclear waste and the availability of the missing fuel for future fusion power plants. The market price for tritium is currently around 15 million dollars per pound, a clear indication of its scarcity and value.

    Opportunities for the energy transition
    The vision is clear. If waste becomes a fuel of the future, the cards in global energy policy could be reshuffled. Fusion power plants fueled by tritium from recycled nuclear waste could provide enormous amounts of energy in a climate-neutral and safe way. This would be a milestone for the energy transition, which could secure the growing demand for electricity from electromobility, the heating transition and digitalization in the long term.

    Research at the turning point
    The path to large-scale use is still open. Technical, economic and security policy issues need to be clarified. However, the direction shows how science and technology can transform seemingly contaminated sites into opportunities for the future. Nuclear waste, of all things, a symbol of unresolved energy problems, could thus become a mainstay of the energy transition.

  • Lucerne is building a public network of charging stations

    Lucerne is building a public network of charging stations

    A public network of around 30 charging stations for electric cars is to be created in Lucerne by 2035. According to a press release, the focus will be on charging in neighbourhoods. To this end, the city will provide third-party providers with public land and the basic infrastructure, including network access, in return for a concession fee. It intends to refinance its investment of CHF 960,000 through the concession fees in line with the polluter-pays principle.

    By 2040, all vehicles registered in the city of Lucerne are to be electric or powered by renewable energy. In order to achieve this goal of the climate and energy strategy, the city of Lucerne and Energie Wasser Luzern(ewl) launched the Green Zones pilot project in April 2024. As part of this, the first public charging stations were installed on Bergstrasse and Eichmattstrasse. The city describes the experience of the five-year project as “consistently positive”.

    The measures are part of the overall concept for renewable drives in mobility. It was developed by the Zurich-based consulting and engineering company EBP Switzerland on behalf of the city of Lucerne. The scope of the concept also includes funding programmes for basic and charging infrastructure, which will be financed from the city of Lucerne’s energy fund, or that only emission-free taxis will be granted operating licences from 2033. In addition, parking permits for long-term parking on public land will only be issued for emission-free vehicles from 2040.

  • Billion-euro investment drives expansion of energy storage systems

    Billion-euro investment drives expansion of energy storage systems

    Energy Vault announces the foundation of its subsidiary Asset Vault. This is to be financed by a preferred equity investment of USD 300 million from an unnamed multi-billion dollar infrastructure fund. According to a press release, the Lugano and California-based developer of energy storage systems expects this to release more than 1 billion dollars in investment. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of energy storage projects with a newly installed capacity of 1.5 gigawatts in the USA, Europe and Australia.

    Asset Vault will reportedly be dedicated to developing, building, owning and operating energy storage assets in the world’s most attractive energy markets, either independently or in conjunction with generation assets. Crucially, Energy Vault will retain voting and operational control of Asset Vault. Energy Vault expects the transaction to close within the next 30 to 60 days. Asset Vault will then be established as a fully consolidated subsidiary. All energy storage facilities, which are secured by long-term purchase agreements and which guarantee the monetisation of the projects, are to be bundled in this subsidiary. Asset Vault is expected to generate recurring EBITDA of over 100 million dollars over the next three to four years, complementing Energy Vault’s existing energy storage business.

    This “unlocks the full potential of our own-and-operate strategy for storage IPP with immediate investment flexibility,” Robert Piconi, Chairman and CEO of Energy Vault, is quoted as saying. “By combining long-term contracted revenue with strategic capital and integrated, self-executed project delivery, we are well positioned to scale a resilient, mission-critical energy infrastructure to meet the current demands of renewable energy expansion and the massive increase in energy demand from data centre AI infrastructure.”

  • Infrastructure planning protects Magadino plain

    Infrastructure planning protects Magadino plain

    Located between Bellinzona and Locarno, the Magadino plain has been heavily influenced by infrastructure development for decades. Planned projects, from the modernization of the rail network to the reorganization of the power supply, require close coordination in order to minimize the impact on the valuable landscape. A working group headed by the ARE and involving federal offices, the canton of Ticino and Swissgrid has drawn up binding guidelines for this.

    Bundled infrastructure instead of individual projects
    One key result is the decision to relocate the All’Acqua-Vallemaggia-Magadino high-voltage overhead line underground in the moorland area. The Magadino substation will be reduced in size as part of a renovation project. For the double-track expansion of the railroad between Contone and Tenero, SBB is examining options for bundling with new power lines. The planned rail link for the direct connection of the Gotthard and Ceneri base tunnels, which crosses the Magadino plain, is also part of the overarching planning.

    Road project integrated into the overall strategy
    The federal government has been responsible for the heavily congested A13 between Bellinzona-Sud and Locarno since 2020. The new route will be integrated into the sectoral transport plan and closely coordinated with the other projects. At the same time, a strategic review is being carried out as part of the “Transport ’45” study.

    Model for sustainable spatial planning
    The approach in the Magadino Plain is considered a prime example of how national infrastructure goals and nature conservation can be reconciled. The close coordination of energy, rail and road construction projects is intended to minimize interventions, exploit synergies and protect the unique landscape in the long term.

  • Restrictions on objections in projects

    Restrictions on objections in projects

    In view of the continuing tense economic situation, the Federal Council has once again extended the maximum period of entitlement to short-time working compensation to 18 months. This will allow companies to benefit from more flexibility and stability in a fluctuating order situation until July 31, 2026.

    New requirements for smart devices
    Stricter security requirements now apply to wireless, internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, smartwatches and baby monitors. The aim is to protect personal data and prevent cyber attacks. The devices must ensure that they cannot be misused for so-called DDoS attacks. This is based on the Federal Office of Communications’ new ordinance on telecommunications equipment.

    Fewer objections to smaller projects
    A key element of the legislative changes relates to residential construction. Nature conservation, heritage protection and monument preservation organizations may no longer lodge an objection to projects with a floor area of less than 400 m² within building zones, unless they involve protected sites or biotopes. The decision is intended to facilitate residential construction and speed up procedures.

    Indicative prices for Swiss timber permitted
    An amendment to the Forest Act will allow forest owners to publish regional or national indicative prices for Swiss raw timber together with the downstream industry. The regulation is intended to create greater market transparency and strengthen timber sales as a source of income for sustainable forest management.

    Focus on safety
    Several changes in the aviation sector are aimed at increasing operational safety and accident prevention, such as new requirements for crash-proof fuel systems for helicopters, extended information obligations on fire protection for air freight, Êintroduction of a new private pilot license for gyrocopters and stricter rules for air freight, air mail and security personnel at airports

    Switzerland intensifies cooperation with the EU
    As part of the Prüm cooperation, automated fingerprint data comparisons and access to vehicle and owner data are now also possible in Switzerland. The aim is to combat cross-border crime and terrorism more efficiently. Further regulations will follow in 2027.

    Ban on cell phones in schools in Aargau and Nidwalden
    The cantons of Aargau and Nidwalden are implementing new guidelines on the use of digital devices in schools. Cell phones may only be used for teaching purposes or in emergencies. This is the authorities’ response to increasing distraction and social conflicts caused by excessive cell phone use in everyday school life.

    Reforms with an impact on everyday life and the economy
    The new regulations reflect key social issues such as labour shortages, digitalization, housing requirements and security. Whether at school, at work or in private housing – the changes to the law from August 2025 mark a further step towards adapting to current challenges.

  • Alpine solar project launched over 2000 metres

    Alpine solar project launched over 2000 metres

    Axpo, based in Baden, has commissioned STRABAG to realise an alpine solar project next to the Lai da Nalps reservoir above the village of Serdun in Graubünden. Around 1,500 solar panels and a technology centre will be installed in the NalpSolar project at over 2,000 metres above sea level, the Schlieren-based construction company announced in a press release. The first 10 per cent of the plant is due to go into operation this December.

    “The construction work is technically demanding, logistically challenging and ecologically sensitive, but above all a milestone for the energy transition in Switzerland,” writes STRABAG. The individual solar tables and other components have to be transported along a narrow, single-lane mountain road. The road, which is normally closed, was built by Axpo in the 1960s as an access road for the reservoir.

    As there are no storage facilities on the construction site, only the material that is immediately needed is transported. “The logistics now run like clockwork,” explains construction foreman François Borner in the press release. “Instead of being stressful, it is now easy to plan.” In the press release, STRABAG cites the uneven ground and respect for the nature conservation zones in the construction area as further challenges in the project.

    Due to the altitude, NalpSolar will produce a lot of electricity, especially in the winter months, explains STRABAG. The construction company is aiming to complete the work in 2028. The electricity from NalpSolar is reserved for the SBB power grid for the next 20 years.

  • Light controls electricity in metals

    Light controls electricity in metals

    A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities has achieved a significant breakthrough. They have developed a method that uses light to influence the flow of electricity in extremely thin metal layers at room temperature. This new approach could help to make optical sensors and quantum information devices significantly more efficient in the future. The scientists’ interim results were recently published in the renowned journal “Science Advances”.

    The study is based on ultra-thin layers of ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), which were applied to titanium dioxide (TiO2). Depending on the direction, these layers not only react differently to light, but also to the flow of electricity. The structure of these layers makes it possible to specifically control the dynamics of the electrons and thus regulate energy flows.

    New paths through targeted use of light
    A key finding of the researchers is that the reactions of the material to light can be precisely influenced by targeted changes in the atomic structure. This controlled effect occurs at normal temperatures and opens up exciting prospects for future applications. “This is the first time anyone has demonstrated tunable, directed ultrafast carrier relaxation in a metal at room temperature,” confirms Seunggyo Jeong, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota.

    Such findings challenge many ideas about the behavior of metals of recent years and prove that the targeted control of electricity through controlled light pulses is possible. This opens up completely new approaches to dealing with energy and information processing in the smallest of spaces.

    Controlling electricity in detail
    The previous consensus in physics considered metals to be unsuitable for such precise control mechanisms because they have too complex electronic properties. However, the current research team discovered that precisely this complexity, known as band interleaving, can be actively used to steer the ultra-fast response of metals in different directions. This means that the material’s ability to control electricity can be adapted depending on the situation.

    New applications in computer technology, data storage, sensor technology and communication could benefit massively from this. The efficiency and speed of components in particular could be significantly improved through the targeted control of electricity. Tony Low, co-author and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, emphasizes that the results provide deep insights into how subtle structural distortions can change the electronic structure of metals. This could be crucial for future ultrafast and polarization-sensitive optoelectronic technologies.

  • Efficient cooling with underfloor heating

    Efficient cooling with underfloor heating

    In well-insulated new buildings and energy-efficiently renovated old buildings, interest in alternative cooling methods is increasing. Underfloor heating can not only provide cozy warmth in winter, but can also contribute to a pleasant indoor climate in summer, provided it is connected to a suitable heat pump. This opens up an efficient, noiseless and climate-friendly dual use of existing technology.

    Technology that can do both
    Only water-based systems are suitable for cooling. Cool water flows through the pipe system laid in the floor in summer, controlled by a pump and a smart control system. The decisive factor is the combination with a reversible heat pump, which provides technical support for the cooling mode. The difference between heating and cooling mode lies primarily in the water temperature. Instead of 35 to 40 °C, 16 to 20 °C is pumped through the system.

    Active or passive – two ways to cool down
    Passive cooling uses the temperature difference to the ground or groundwater without the compressor being active. This saves energy, but is often only sufficient for a slight temperature reduction in very hot weather.

    Active cooling, on the other hand, works at full pump capacity. Rooms can be cooled significantly more, but with higher power consumption.
    Brine/water and water/water heat pumps are suitable for both variants. Air/water systems are designed exclusively for active cooling.

    Technology and planning must go together
    The achievable temperature reduction is between 2 and 5 °C. With active solutions, values around 20 to 22 °C are also realistic. A flow temperature that is too low can cause condensation. This is why systems with dew point monitoring are needed that automatically counteract critical values.

    Know the limits, exploit the potential
    Underfloor heating systems react slowly, so cooling needs proactive control. However, with good planning and suitable technology, anyone building or renovating today can rely on a single system that provides year-round comfort without additional air conditioning.

    The achievable temperature reduction depends on the construction method, insulation and design of the system. In well-insulated new buildings or renovated properties, it is possible to cool rooms to 22 °C or below even when it is hot outside. Bedrooms, offices or heavily heated living areas in particular benefit from uniform, silent cooling.

  • Switzerland continues to massively expand solar power

    Switzerland continues to massively expand solar power

    The expansion of solar power reached a new record in 2024, according to a statement from Swissolar. According to the industry association, systems with a total output of 1,798 megawatts were installed, an increase of 10 per cent compared to the previous year. In total, 8170 megawatts were installed by the end of 2024. This generated 5961 gigawatt hours of electricity.

    Solar power accounted for 10.4 per cent of electricity demand in 2024. In the previous year, it was 8.25 per cent. Swissolar expects a share of 14 per cent by 2025. “Solar power is already a central component of our energy supply today and is well on its way to becoming the second mainstay of our electricity supply alongside hydropower,” said Matthias Egli, Managing Director of Swissolar, in the press release.

    Swissolar also emphasises the importance of solar power for the winter months. Around 2,400 gigawatt hours of solar power were generated between the beginning of October 2024 and mid-April 2025, around a third of annual production.

    The number of newly installed battery storage systems grew by 4 per cent in 2024. In single-family homes, 47 per cent of all solar installations were already equipped with battery storage systems, compared to just 42 per cent in the previous year. The total installed storage capacity at the end of 2024 was already 896 megawatt hours, enough to cover the consumption of 100,000 households for one day.

  • New tool simplifies the reuse of radiators

    New tool simplifies the reuse of radiators

    Together with Zirkular GmbH, also based in Basel, and the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at the HSLU in Horw, the cooperatively organised Basler Bauteilbörse aims to facilitate the reuse of radiators. However, this requires an early assessment of their heating performance – which is often difficult due to differences in size, design and materials.

    This is where the user-friendly tool called RadiatorCheck, which the three initiators are working on with the help of Innosuisse ‘s Innovation Booster – Circular Building Industry, should help. It is designed to enable even non-professionals to catalogue radiators and estimate their heating output precisely and easily on site.

    This includes identifying common radiator types, creating and validating a thermal model, developing a user-friendly interface and testing the tool for accuracy and ease of use. The end goal is a working prototype that will assist professionals in the efficient assessment and reuse of radiators.

    According to a project description from Innosuisse, the Excel-based tool is based on practical data and experience from Zirkular GmbH and Bauteilbörse. It is supported by thermal modelling from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. “By simplifying the documentation, evaluation and cataloguing of existing radiators, their life cycle can be extended, thereby reducing the extraction of raw materials, emissions from new production and construction waste,” it continues. “This enables more resource-efficient practices and supports a low-emission, circular built environment.”

  • Solar energy on track

    Solar energy on track

    In 2024, 1,798 megawatts of new photovoltaic capacity were installed in Switzerland, an increase of 10 % compared to the previous year. The total output rose to 8.2 gigawatts, which covered over 10 % of the national electricity demand. Despite below-average solar radiation and rising electricity consumption, the annual production corresponds to the consumption of around two million households.

    Security of supply through winter electricity
    Photovoltaics is not just a summer technology; from October 2024 to April 2025, 2.4 terawatt hours of solar power were generated, a third of annual production. This contribution significantly relieved the pressure on Switzerland’s reservoirs. Without solar energy, Switzerland would have had to import significantly more electricity.

    Decline in the single-family home segment
    While larger systems continued to grow strongly, the expansion on single-family homes fell by 3 %. This slowed overall growth, as around a third of installed capacity was previously based on this segment. According to Swissolar, the reason for this restraint is the uncertainty surrounding the new Electricity Act.

    Battery storage systems are gaining in importance
    The expansion of battery storage systems also increased by 4%. The commercial sector in particular is showing increased momentum. Today, 47% of PV systems on single-family homes are already equipped with battery storage. The total storage capacity is just under 900 MWh, enough for 100,000 households for one day.

    International momentum confirms global trend
    Around 597 GW of photovoltaic capacity was installed worldwide in 2024, an increase of 33%. With 908 watts per capita, Switzerland is in 10th place in an international comparison. Global solar power production rose to 2,000 TWh.

    Changing framework conditions
    The new Electricity Supply Act creates important foundations for local electricity consumption, but also leads to uncertainty. In particular, there is a lack of practicable solutions for local electricity communities and market-based purchase remuneration. Swissolar is calling for concrete improvements to better utilise the potential of local use and storage solutions.

    Slowdown with prospects
    Swissolar expects the market to decline by around 10% to 1600 MW in 2025 due to regulatory transition phases. Stabilisation is expected from 2026. The targets of 18.7 TWh of solar power by 2030 and 35 TWh from new renewable energies by 2035 are achievable with continuous expansion of between 1,800 and 2,000 MW per year.

  • Cooperation for more solar power in Zurich and eastern Switzerland

    Cooperation for more solar power in Zurich and eastern Switzerland

    The Basel-based energy supplier IWB has acquired the Winterthur-based solar specialist Senero AG. According to a press release, IWB intends to expand its position in the field of renewable energies. Senero’s position will therefore be significantly expanded with access to IWB’s structure, size and integrated range of solutions.

    In the cooperation, IWB intends to invest in its own and the expansion of decentralised solar power production and thus make a contribution to security of supply and the energy transition, according to the press release. The company plans to install 150 to 200 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity (megawatt peak/MWp) on roofs and façades for private and business customers by 2030. Currently, 55 MWp have already been installed. In addition, IWB offers its customers comprehensive services in connection with the connection for self-consumption (ZEV). Customers are supported in setting up, operating and managing ZEVs.

    Senero is contributing its expertise in the installation of photovoltaic systems (PV), batteries and charging stations for electric cars to the new partnership. The company installs 120 photovoltaic systems every year.

    “Together with our solar companies Planeco and Kunz Solartech, IWB can realise solar systems for companies and private customers throughout German-speaking Switzerland thanks to Senero. We can now strengthen our sales activities, particularly in the Zurich area and eastern Switzerland,” said Markus Balmer, Head of Sales at IWB, in the press release. “We expect continued strong growth in the solar industry, even though the current market environment has become more difficult. There are still far too many roofs without PV, and the legal framework for PV systems has improved with the new energy legislation.”

    Fabian Krämer, Co-Managing Director of Senero, sees security and a long-term perspective in the takeover by IWB. “IWB is a large and established partner that offers our employees secure prospects for the future. Together with IWB, we can continue our success story in the solar market and realise many more systems for our customers,” Krämer is quoted as saying.