immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Energie

  • Flattening of construction price inflation continues

    Flattening of construction price inflation continues

    In 2022, construction prices in building construction experienced a sharp increase of over 8 per cent. In contrast, the construction price index for April 2024 shows a moderate increase of 0.8 per cent compared to the previous year. Since the last publication in December 2023, prices in building construction have risen by 0.4 per cent. Despite this slowdown, construction prices remain stable at a high level. Compared to three years ago, building construction prices increased by 13 per cent in April 2024.

    Material prices as the driving force
    A key factor in the levelling off of construction prices is the development of material costs. The KBOB material price index for building construction shows that material prices fell by 2.2 per cent between May 2023 and May 2024. Most of this decline took place between May and October 2023. Since November 2023, the material price index has stabilised and fell only slightly by 0.4 percent. Prices fell particularly sharply for reinforcing steel, which was over 10 per cent cheaper in May 2024 than in the previous year.

    Energy and fuel prices as a counterbalance
    While falling material prices are contributing to a slowdown in the development of construction prices, rising energy and fuel prices are counteracting this trend. According to the national consumer price index, energy and fuel prices in May 2024 were 6.6 per cent higher than in the previous year, which is putting upward pressure on construction prices.

    Outlook for future developments
    Despite the current stabilisation, there are factors that point to a possible renewed increase in construction prices. Wage trends and the continued rise in energy costs could lead to an increase in construction prices of around 1 per cent in 2024. It remains to be seen how these factors will affect the construction price index in the long term.

    Conclusion: diverse influences on construction prices
    The current development of construction prices is influenced by various factors. While falling material prices suggest a stagnating or declining trend, higher energy and fuel prices as well as wage trends are putting upward pressure. Construction prices are currently stabilising at a high level and a moderate increase is expected for 2024.

  • BKW acquires majority stake in HelveticWind

    BKW acquires majority stake in HelveticWind

    BKW has increased its stake in the HelveticWind cooperation to 60 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent will remain with Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (EKZ). This strategic decision, which was signed on 5 July 2024, marks a significant realignment of the cooperation between the energy supply companies. Previously, BKW held 29 per cent and EKZ 20.2 per cent of the shares in HelveticWind.

    Successful cooperation in Germany and Italy
    HelveticWind operates a total of six wind farms, four of them in Germany with an installed capacity of 67 megawatts (MW) and two in Italy with 52 MW. BKW, which is already active as a service provider for the plants, has extensive expertise in the maintenance and optimisation of these wind farms. With the acquisition of the majority stake, BKW can further expand its existing portfolio of renewable energy generation plants.

    Future-oriented planning and CO2 neutrality by 2040
    Margarita Aleksieva, Head of Wind & Solar at BKW, is enthusiastic about the majority acquisition: “We want to help shape the energy transition in the coming decades and be CO2-neutral in the energy business by 2040. In this context, we are also examining the repowering potential of the six wind farms. Our aim is to optimise the existing sites in the future and increase our energy yield thanks to the latest technology.”

    Thanks to long-standing partners and outlook
    BKW would like to thank its departing partners Energie Wasser Bern, Genossenschaft Elektra Baselland and SN Erneuerbare Energie for their many years of collaboration. The reorganisation of the cooperation will enable BKW and EKZ to continue their partnership successfully and drive the energy transition forward together.

    History and objectives of the HelveticWind cooperation
    The HelveticWind cooperation was founded in March 2010 by Energie Wasser Bern and BKW. The original aim was to realise a wind power portfolio with an installed capacity of over 100 MW, which has since been exceeded. The German wind farms include Gross Welle, Lüdersdorf-Parstein, Sendenhorst and Wulkow, while the Ventisei and Eolo wind farms in Italy are part of the portfolio.

    With its majority stake in HelveticWind, BKW is strengthening its position in the field of renewable energies and taking an important step towards a sustainable energy future.

  • Emissions from heating oil and gas are falling

    Emissions from heating oil and gas are falling

    In Switzerland, emissions from fuels fell significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year, namely by 8.8 per cent. The different cold winter months were converted to average weather conditions. Compared to 1990, these emissions were 41.7 per cent lower. This is shown in the recently published CO2 statistics for 2023, which are published annually by the Federal Office for the Environment(FOEN).

    According to its press release, this decrease is mainly due to the improved energy efficiency of buildings and the increased use of renewable energies for heating. In particular, gas consumption has fallen significantly for the second year in a row.

    In contrast, CO2 emissions caused by fuels such as petrol and diesel remained the same as in the previous year. Compared to 1990, emissions have fallen by 5.2 per cent. According to the data, the fact that they did not rise again after the pandemic, i.e. after 2022, is partly due to the change in mobility behaviour that began at that time: more working from home and fewer business trips. On the other hand, the FOEN also cites the growing share of electromobility as a reason for this. The share of biogenic fuels in total fuel consumption has risen slightly from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent.

  • Canton of Zurich proposes areas for the utilisation of wind power

    Canton of Zurich proposes areas for the utilisation of wind power

    The Zurich cantonal government wants to create the planning basis for increased utilisation of wind power in the canton. According to a press release, it has now submitted 20 highly suitable and 15 well-suited areas for consultation. The highly suitable areas are mainly located in the north-east of the canton between Cholfirst, Stammerberg, Zünikon and Bergbuck. Other areas in the south of the Knonauer Amts, on the Pfannenstiel and in the Oberland are considered to be well suited. The canton looked at a total of 52 potential areas.

    The consultation will last until 31 October. The cantonal government will then prepare the corresponding proposal for the cantonal council. Wind turbines can only be erected in areas that are listed as suitable in the structure plan.

    The cantonal government is also proposing measures to involve the municipalities and the population in the construction of the turbines. For example, municipalities and private individuals should be able to participate voluntarily in the investments. Conversely, plant operators should voluntarily allow municipalities to share in the profits.

    In contrast, the cantonal government sees little potential for the expansion of hydropower in the canton. Only at the Rhine Falls could 20 per cent of the water be used for an underground power plant. It proposes a corresponding entry in the structure plan.

  • Easier building in noisy areas

    Easier building in noisy areas

    As part of the revision of the Environmental Protection Act, the UREK-N would like to simplify building in noise-polluted areas. In principle, at least half of the noise-sensitive rooms in new homes should have a window that complies with the noise limits. Relaxations are possible if controlled ventilation systems are installed or a quiet, private outdoor space is available. These regulations are intended to create a balance between densification and noise protection.

    Positions of the National Council and the Council of States
    The Council of States proposes that the limit values no longer have to be complied with at any open window in flats with controlled ventilation. However, the UREK-N considers the National Council’s version to be more balanced, as it offers a pragmatic solution to the housing shortage. The committee emphasises that building permits will only be granted if the buildings meet stricter noise protection requirements and measures to limit noise emissions are still prescribed.

    No reduction in noise protection regulations in aircraft noise areas
    The UREK-N dispenses with specific aircraft noise limits and agrees with the Council of States. This means that no further legal amendments should be necessary to allow construction near airports. The Commission does not envisage any additional restrictions for municipalities with regard to lowering the speed limit.

    Remediation of contaminated sites and VOC steering levy
    In the area of remediation of contaminated sites, the UREK-N maintains that owners must pay for the costs of investigating and remediating private playgrounds and gardens. The committee also requests that alternatives to the VOC incentive tax be examined and calls for an in-depth analysis by the Federal Council.

    Geoinformation Act and energy research
    The UREK-N has decided to refer the draft amendment to the Geoinformation Act back to the Federal Council for a thorough review. In the area of energy research, the aim is to harmonise the credit period of the SWEETER programme with the four-year period of validity of the ERI Dispatch.

    Approval of the electricity reserve
    The Commission supports the amendment to the Electricity Supply Act without a dissenting vote and emphasises the importance of a secure electricity supply even in extreme situations. It will examine the concept of the electricity reserve in depth and analyse various options in order to guarantee security of supply while minimising the environmental impact and costs.

    The UREK-N also recommends that the Federal Council provide stronger incentives for the formation of local electricity communities and relieve them of grid utilisation fees. The meeting took place under the chairmanship of National Councillor Christian Imark and partly in the presence of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti.

  • Future-oriented heat supply in Zurich’s inner-city neighbourhoods

    Future-oriented heat supply in Zurich’s inner-city neighbourhoods

    In a strategic initiative to decarbonise the energy supply, the city of Zurich is identifying key districts in which the conventional heat supply is to be replaced by sustainable alternatives. Despite the challenge that locally available, renewable energy sources such as heat pumps are not sufficient to meet demand, a comprehensive study has identified possible solutions.

    Concept for densely built-up urban areas
    The Hard, Wiedikon and Sihlfeld-Werd neighbourhoods in particular are the focus of energy planning. These areas, which cover around seven per cent of the city’s settlement area, require an innovative approach due to their dense perimeter block development. The supply concept developed envisages the construction of thermal networks, which will account for around a quarter of the city’s new installations by 2040.

    New combined heat and power plants required
    To cover the calculated heat demand of 282 GWh/year, high-performance heating plants are required, comparable to the capacity of the existing Hagenholz waste incineration plant. Additional boilers are used to cover the peak load, which is particularly necessary on extremely cold days.

    Modular expansion and innovative heat sources
    The concept includes the use of diversified energy sources such as wastewater heat, river water, wood biomass and waste heat from computer centres, which is generated outside the supply area and fed into the neighbourhoods via a new main network. Implementation will be carried out in modular steps, with independent distribution centres being built in a timely manner to ensure that end consumers are connected quickly.

    The planning and implementation of this forward-looking project is now required in order to connect the first properties to the grid early in the 2030s. The replacement of the current 1,500 fossil-fuelled heating systems in these areas will make a decisive contribution to achieving Zurich’s climate targets.

  • Timber as a key building material for the development of urban areas

    Timber as a key building material for the development of urban areas

    Efficient use of energy and climate protection in buildings
    In view of the high energy consumption of buildings and their contribution to CO2 emissions, it is crucial to reduce energy requirements both during the construction phase and during the use of buildings. Thanks to its CO2-storing nature and efficient production methods, timber construction makes a significant contribution to reducing so-called grey energy.

    Modernisation and renovation of the building structure
    Many buildings in Germany are over 25 years old and need to be modernised and renovated in terms of energy efficiency. Timber construction offers innovative solutions here, such as adding storeys for efficient space utilisation and redensification, combined with an improved energy balance. Increasing urbanisation and rural exodus require intelligent building concepts in cities.

    Urbanisation and the role of timber construction
    Timber construction is proving to be the ideal solution for vertical and horizontal redensification. Thanks to its low weight and high degree of prefabrication, timber construction is particularly suitable for use in densely built-up metropolises.

    Timber construction is more than just a traditional construction method – it is an answer to the pressing questions of our time regarding climate protection and sustainability. Similar to concrete and steel at the beginning of the 20th century, timber construction has the potential to solve future construction tasks efficiently and sustainably and thus contribute to a more sustainable design of our urban landscapes.

  • Continuation of the Basel region’s energy package planned until 2025

    Continuation of the Basel region’s energy package planned until 2025

    In order to ensure the continuity of the Basel-Landschaft energy package, the cantonal government has proposed an increase in the expenditure authorisation and a supplementary credit for 2024 to the cantonal parliament. This procedure is intended to ensure that the programme to promote energy-efficient building renovations and the use of renewable energies in the building sector can continue seamlessly. A supplementary credit of CHF 2.28 million has been requested for 2024, and the total expenditure authorisation until the end of 2025 is to be increased to CHF 42.16 million.

    The energy package has proven to be particularly effective thanks to the high willingness of building owners to invest. Despite demand stabilising at a high level after a record year in 2022, the subsidy programme remains very effective in an intercantonal comparison. These results were presented in detail in the latest interim report from the cantonal government to the cantonal council.

    Due to the current financial bottlenecks, the cantonal government is planning a moderate reduction in contribution rates from 1 January 2025. This adjustment reflects the above-average rates compared to other Swiss cantons and will be cushioned by the recently introduced energy premium, which offers income- and asset-based support. At the same time, the new national impulse programme, which will be launched at the beginning of 2025, will offer further financial support for the conversion of heating systems and comprehensive renovation of building envelopes.

    For the next planning periods from 2026 to 2030, the Government Council is preparing a separate bill based on the findings of the 2022 energy planning report and other parliamentary mandates. This initiative is intended to further strengthen the focus and effectiveness of the funding programme and adapt it to the dynamic needs of the energy market.

    Finally, based on the Cantonal Energy Act, the interim report emphasises the importance of regularly reviewing and adapting the support measures in order to effectively support CO2 reduction and meet legislative requirements. The cantonal government remains committed to a sustainable and energy-efficient future for Basel-Landschaft.

  • Lucerne and ewl install e-charging stations in two neighbourhoods

    Lucerne and ewl install e-charging stations in two neighbourhoods

    The city of Lucerne and ewl are launching the joint pilot project Green Zones. As part of this project, two car parks on Eichmattstrasse and Bergstrasse within the blue zones will each be marked green and equipped with a charging station including a ground sensor. According to a press release, the construction work will begin on Monday, 8 April 2024 and last around two weeks.

    By 2040, all vehicles that are registered in the city of Lucerne should be powered by electricity or renewable energy. E-charging points in residential neighbourhoods are intended to support this goal. To make charging electric and hybrid vehicles as easy as possible, users can check online whether these parking spaces are free or occupied. The data interface is provided by eCarUp from Rotkreuz ZG. Access is set up and processed by the Lucerne-based ICT service provider arcade solutions.

    The five-year pilot project is being financially supported by the LadenPunkt funding programme and the City of Lucerne’s energy fund. The two partners want to gather experience in Lucerne’s residential neighbourhoods, for example with regard to charging habits and duration of use. The knowledge gained will make it possible to assess whether further car parks should be equipped with charging infrastructure in neighbourhoods in the future.

  • ETH researches the role of hydrogen for the Swiss electricity system

    ETH researches the role of hydrogen for the Swiss electricity system

    In a six-month research project, a team of researchers from the Energy Science Centre at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has attempted to find out what role synthetic fuels could play in the Swiss electricity system. With the help of the Nexus-e modelling platform, three main scenarios for the Swiss electricity system in 2050 were designed, according to a press release: the potential role of hydrogen and e-methane for the Swiss electricity supply if they are imported, the seasonal storage of electricity in Switzerland and the potential costs of producing hydrogen and e-methane in Switzerland.

    The researchers conclude that hydrogen and e-methane imports can only be part of a cost-effective electricity supply in Switzerland if import prices are low. At very low prices, hydrogen could cover up to 12 per cent of the annual electricity demand. They do not see domestically produced hydrogen or e-methane as a cost-effective solution for seasonal electricity storage.

    The results of this study are intended to provide an insight into the role of synthetic fuels in a net-zero emissions electricity system in Switzerland, but are not intended as forecasts. It was commissioned by Heinz M. Buhofer, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Metall Zug, and co-financed by the electricity supplier Eniwa. The project advisory board consisted of members of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research, the Tech Cluster Zug, the Association of the Swiss Gas Industry and the Zug-based management consultancy Steinmann Consulting.

  • Services burden BKW’s result

    Services burden BKW’s result

    According to a press release, BKW achieved the second-best financial year in its history in 2023. With revenue of CHF 4,598 million, the Bern-based energy supplier achieved earnings before interest and taxes of CHF 620 million and a net profit of CHF 488 million. Sales are thus 12 per cent below the record year 2022, but 29 per cent above 2021. The result and profit were similar: net profit in 2023 was 40 per cent below that of 2022 and 76 per cent above that of 2021.

    The result is primarily driven by the Energy business division. According to the annual report, this contributed a total of CHF 535 million to the result with a total operating performance of CHF 2,953 million, a decrease of 24 per cent in output and 40 per cent in profit. Investments in the Energy business division rose from CHF 147 million to CHF 276 million.

    With a total output of CHF 540 million, the grids delivered a result of CHF 147 million, an increase of 5 per cent in output and 0.6 per cent in the result. Investments rose from CHF 113 million in 2022 to CHF 136 million in 2023.

    Sales of services rose by 4 per cent to CHF 1,838 million in 2023. The business division reported a loss of 40 million francs. In the previous year, it had still posted a plus of 53 million francs. The result was burdened by depreciation and impairments totalling 132 million francs. Investments fell from CHF 333 million to CHF 75 million. BKW aims to sustainably increase the profitability of the business area by the end of 2024. It is also examining sales and acquisitions.

  • Juice equips charging station with payment terminal from Wallee

    Juice equips charging station with payment terminal from Wallee

    Juice Technology AG and the Wallee Group AG in Winterthur want to simplify the charging of electric cars. To this end, the Bachenbülach-based manufacturer of charging stations and software is equipping its Juice Charger me 3 charging station with the payment terminal from the Winterthur-based payment service provider. In future, users will be able to pay with credit and debit cards as well as contactless with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Twint thanks to the Wallee terminal. This should make other charging cards superfluous and lead to fairer tariffs, as fewer parties are involved in the earnings, according to a press release.

    “As a partner that, like Juice, comes from the canton of Zurich, we offer the perfect complement for Juice charging stations,” said Sascha Krüsi, CXO and co-founder of Wallee, in the press release. Christoph Erni, CEO and founder of Juice, sees the future of e-mobility in the combination of innovative technology and trustworthy payment services.

    The charging station can also be used by commercial providers. For example, restaurants, hotels, retailers or companies with company car parks could become providers of the stations. The Juice and Wallee system is already in use in Laax GR and the Riedmatt Centre in Rümlang ZH.

    The Juice Charger me 3 is compatible with all e-cars.

  • Urdorf municipal council approves framework for energy network

    Urdorf municipal council approves framework for energy network

    Energie 360° is planning an energy network in Urdorf based on CO2-free energy sources. The municipal council decided on the framework conditions for the implementation at its meeting on 26 February, as detailed in a press release. The energy network includes the suitability areas of Zentrum and Oberurdorf, as identified in the municipal energy plan. This is intended to support the desired transformation from fossil fuels to climate-friendly energy sources for heat production and thus the “net zero 2050” target.

    The planned plant will produce heat using sustainable energy sources such as burning wood chips, thereby reducing the environmental impact by around 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. The existing natural gas network is to be replaced in the medium term on the basis of Energie 360°’s transformation strategy. The first connections are planned for autumn 2026, according to the press release.

    The municipality of Urdorf’s involvement in the realisation of the planned district heating network is limited to the granting of a long-term building lease on part of the municipality’s own “Lätten” property for the construction of the necessary energy centre with an energy storage facility and permission to use public land. The realisation, financing and operation will be carried out entirely by Energie 360°, the statement continues. The municipality bears no entrepreneurial risk.

    Any realisation of the energy centre on the municipality’s own land will be based on a building lease to be granted to Energie 360°. The municipal council has approved this contract for an initial term of 50 years in accordance with the authority regulations of the municipal ordinance and cantonal requirements.

  • SAK builds large battery storage system for better grid stability

    SAK builds large battery storage system for better grid stability

    On 13 March, SAK broke ground for the construction of a large battery storage facility to the east of the substation in Rheineck. According to a press release, the new storage system will have a storage capacity of 6.24 megawatt hours and thus contribute to the energy transition and stabilisation of the regional power grid. The general contractor is Kreuzlingen-based eSpectrum AG, which manufactures energy storage systems.

    The new storage facility will mainly be used by Swissgrid. As a transmission system operator, Swissgrid works to ensure a secure and stable electricity grid. The switch to renewable energies as part of the Energy Strategy 2050 requires options for storing electricity, as weather-related fluctuations in energy generation repeatedly lead to surpluses in energy production, which can be utilised in times of low electricity production.

    Battery storage systems are particularly important for absorbing peak loads and relieving the strain on the grid infrastructure. “It may not be the first or largest of its kind, but it fits perfectly with SAK’s requirements and goals in relation to the energy transition,” Simon Mettler, Project Manager for Innovation at SAK, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • Lucerne wants to be free of fossil fuels by 2035

    Lucerne wants to be free of fossil fuels by 2035

    The city administration of Lucerne wants to free itself from fossil fuel consumption by 2035. According to a press release from the city, the first step is to replace around 200 service vehicles from petrol and diesel with electric drives by 2030. By the target year of 2035, the heating systems and hot water supplies in the city’s 150 or so properties are also to be converted from oil or gas firing to renewable systems such as heat pumps. Photovoltaic systems are to generate electricity on the roofs of these buildings. This could cover 35 to 40 per cent of the city’s current demand.

    In a recent report, the administration was already able to point to 65 converted properties in the conversion of heating systems that began five years ago. The aim of the heating system conversion is to emit a total of 3300 tonnes less CO2 from 2035. The costs of the conversion are estimated at around CHF 60 million.

    “We are not only calling on other property owners to take action, we are also getting involved ourselves,” Katja Dürst, Head of the Environmental Protection Department, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • BKW reports second-best result in company history

    BKW reports second-best result in company history

    BKW AG generated sales totalling almost CHF 4.60 billion in the 2023 financial year. Compared to “the extraordinary previous year with the fundamental upheavals on the energy markets”, revenue was 12 per cent lower, the Bern-based energy supplier reported in a press release. Compared to 2021, however, sales growth of 29 per cent was achieved.

    At CHF 620 million, the operating result at EBIT level was 40 per cent lower than in the previous year and 57 per cent higher than in 2021. Net operating profit amounted to CHF 432 million, which is 40 per cent less than in 2022 but 76 per cent more than in 2021. Overall, BKW thus achieved the second-best result in its history after the extraordinary previous year.

    The Energy business area in particular contributed to the positive developments. Here a contribution to EBIT of CHF 535 million was realised. At CHF 147 million, the Grids business division “once again made a solid contribution” to the result, according to the press release. The Group invests more than CHF 120 million annually in a secure and modern network infrastructure.

    In the services business, sales increased by 4 per cent year-on-year to CHF 1.84 billion. However, the contribution to the operating result remained “clearly below expectations” with a loss of CHF 40 million, writes BKW. This is due to one-off effects such as project value adjustments and impairments. For the current year, the Group anticipates an improved earnings situation in the services business.

  • Parliament clearly approves CO2 Act

    Parliament clearly approves CO2 Act

    The revised CO2 Act has achieved clear approval in the final vote in Parliament. The Council of States adopted it by 42 votes to one with one abstention. The National Council approved it by 122 votes to 42 with 27 abstentions.

    This makes it clear how, in Parliament’s view, Switzerland should halve its CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The majority of the reduction is to be achieved domestically. However, contrary to the wishes of the National Council, Parliament has not agreed any fixed domestic reductions. These must now be set by the Federal Council. Basic installations for the charging infrastructure for electric cars are also not to be subsidised by the federal government. The CO2 levy will remain at CHF 120 per tonne. No new levies will be introduced, unlike the previous proposal, which failed in 2021 and provided for an air ticket levy. However, aviation petrol is to be blended with renewable fuel in future.

    Economiesuisse welcomes the law as “effective and sensible”. It shows “how an effective climate policy with majority support can be achieved without symbolic politics and unrealistic demands”, writes the business umbrella organisation in a press release. The danger of a referendum has been averted, but if it were to take place, it would have little chance at the ballot box.

    Not so swisscleantech. “The result is disappointing,” writes the energy transition association. In view of the lack of a domestic target and the stagnating incentive taxes, it is clear that Switzerland will only be able to achieve its halving target by 2030 with a lot of compensation from abroad.

  • IWB launches nanocomposite for heating systems

    IWB launches nanocomposite for heating systems

    The Basel-based energy supplier IWB is launching the nano-network as a new solution for heating outside the district heating supply in the canton of Basel-Stadt. According to a press release, when heating systems are replaced in houses or terraced houses that are close together, the heating systems are connected to each other and equipped with a central control system. IWB presented the nano-network to interested owners from the Mausacker district in Reinach for the first time on Wednesday, 6 March.

    As a rule, each property owner takes care of their own heating system. According to the press release, the individual heating systems are often oversized for safety reasons. Installation and heating costs are higher than necessary. In a nano-network, the heating systems of two to eight properties are physically connected and supplemented by an intelligent control system. All types of heating systems can be connected together.

    The control system ensures that the systems that provide environmentally friendly heating are used first. All connected owners can obtain an overview of energy production, consumption and costs at any time via an Internet application. In a second step, old, fossil-fuelled heating systems can be decommissioned.

    In a pilot project, the merger of three properties resulted in financial savings of up to 15 per cent. In addition, the three properties, in which a heat pump, solar thermal systems and gas heating systems were installed, were able to heat 90 per cent renewably as a result of the merger.

  • Abwärme von Fassaden wird zu Strom

    Abwärme von Fassaden wird zu Strom

    Die Frage, ob die Abwärme von Fassadenverkleidungen aus Nanomaterialien künftig zur Stromerzeugung genutzt werden kann, beschäftigt Forscher weltweit. Ein Team der TU Darmstadt hat nun einen vielversprechenden Ansatz vorgestellt, der dies ermöglichen könnte. Mithilfe von Nanokanälen und Salzlösungen gelingt es, auch Abwärme geringerer Temperaturen in elektrische Energie umzuwandeln.

    Die Energieumwandlung basiert auf einem Material mit mikroskopisch kleinen Kanälen, die eine hochkonzentrierte Salzlösung enthalten. Ein minimaler Temperaturunterschied zwischen den Seiten des Materials führt zu einem thermoelektrischen Effekt, der eine überraschend hohe elektrische Spannung erzeugt. Dieser Mechanismus könnte die effiziente Nutzung von Abwärme unter 100 Grad Celsius revolutionieren.

    Das Forschungsteam erklärt, dass die Stromerzeugung in den Nanokanälen und der Salzlösung auf der Bewegung von Ionen und der Bildung von ladungsneutralen Clustern basiert. Wenn ein Bereich des Materials erwärmt wird, zerfallen die Cluster und erzeugen Ladungen, die zur kälteren Seite wandern und dabei eine hohe elektrische Spannung erzeugen.

    Aktuell arbeiten die Forscher daran, ihr theoretisches Modell mit experimentellen Ergebnissen in Einklang zu bringen. Dazu kooperieren sie mit einem Team vom University College Cork, das die beschriebenen Phänomene experimentell untersucht. Obwohl die Technologie noch nicht marktreif ist, sind die Forscher optimistisch und sehen ein grosses Potenzial für zukünftige Anwendungen. Eine mögliche Anwendung könnte eine Fassadenverkleidung aus speziellem Nanomaterial sein, die einen Teil der Abwärme eines Gebäudes in elektrischen Strom umwandeln kann.

    Obwohl die Entwicklung noch in den Anfängen steht, halten die Forscher die Verfolgung dieser Vision für entscheidend. Angesichts der Energieverschwendung durch ungenutzte Abwärme in Industrie und Haushalten ist die Suche nach effizienten Lösungen dringend geboten.

  • Alpiq increases profit with lower revenue

    Alpiq increases profit with lower revenue

    Alpiq benefited from the high demand for flexible electricity production in Switzerland and Europe in 2023. At CHF 8,420 million, the Lausanne-based energy supplier achieved a significantly lower total operating performance than in the previous year (CHF 14,899 million), reflecting the decline in electricity prices on the market. However, net profit rose from CHF 172 million to CHF 820 million, according to a press release.

    The power plant portfolio with its flexible Swiss hydropower plants and gas-fired combined-cycle power plants in Italy, Spain and Hungary contributed the largest share of Group earnings before interest, taxes and levies at CHF 1,040 million. At CHF 1184 million, this was 150 per cent higher than the previous year.

    Energy and certificate trading brought in a total of CHF 54 million in 2023, while the origination business – the marketing of third-party electricity production – generated CHF 169 million.

    Alpiq will continue to focus on the production of electricity in the future, even when it is scarce due to the switch to renewable energies. “Our very good result gives us the opportunity to continue to invest heavily in urgently needed winter production and additional storage facilities,” Alpiq CEO Antje Kanngiesser is quoted as saying in the press release. in 2022 and 2023, Alpiq invested a total of CHF 316 million in maintaining, renewing and increasing the efficiency of its power plant portfolio.

  • The Ark and CleantechAlps are looking for start-ups for smart energy utilisation

    The Ark and CleantechAlps are looking for start-ups for smart energy utilisation

    CleantechAlps, the cluster of cleantech companies in Western Switzerland, and The Ark, a foundation for innovation in Valais, are organising the second pitch contest for smart energy start-ups. The competition will take place on 30 August as part of the Smart Energy Events on the Energypolis Campus in Sion, the organisers announced in a press release. Interested start-ups have until 7 June to apply online to take part.

    We are looking for start-ups that were founded after 2014 and are active in the energy sector. A jury is responsible for pre-selecting the young companies that will ultimately take part in the competition. At the pitch contest itself, the start-ups compete for the best idea, the best short presentation and the audience award. All three awards come with prize money of CHF 5,000 each. In addition, the competition offers participants “a unique opportunity to present their company in the best possible light and meet important players in the industry”, write the organisers.

  • BASE initiative to increase energy efficiency

    BASE initiative to increase energy efficiency

    The Servetia initiative from BASE – Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy aims to help Swiss companies achieve greater energy efficiency and has launched the Servitisation model for this purpose, according to a press release. For companies, energy costs have a significant impact on profitability, which makes energy efficiency an important opportunity, the press release continues. By optimising energy consumption, companies can not only reduce their costs, but also lower their CO2 emissions, achieve their sustainability goals and prepare for future energy regulations.

    Servetia presents an innovative approach to overcoming these challenges through servitisation. The underlying model, also known as Energy Efficiency-as-a-Service (EaaS), shifts the focus from owning energy systems to utilising the services they provide, such as heating or cooling, without the need for capital investment. The solution providers retain ownership of the systems and take care of implementation, operation, maintenance and upgrades.

    By working with BASE, the Enterprise for Society Centre(E4S) and the Fondation Valery, Servetia provides access to these cutting-edge technologies. Using BASE’s extensive experience, tools such as standardised contracts and financial analyses have been developed to support the introduction of the model.

    Over the past year, Servetia has built up a partner network that includes solution providers from energy technologies to metering and digitalisation, financiers, public institutions and companies in order to exploit the full potential of servitisation in Switzerland, according to the press release.

  • Pioneering solar initiative in Glarus

    Pioneering solar initiative in Glarus

    The authorisation granted by the Glarus cantonal government under energy law enables Swisspearl AG to significantly expand its large-scale solar installation on the roofs of its production halls. With an impressive total output of 3100 kilowatts (kW), this system will not only be the largest of its kind in the canton, but will also be able to cover up to 50 per cent of the company’s electricity requirements. The decision to waive an annual levy of around CHF 30,000 is due to the innovative and exemplary nature of the project, which is considered to be pioneering for similar large-scale systems in the industry.

    The promotion of the photovoltaic system by waiving the fee reflects the endeavours of the canton and the company to be leaders in the use and expansion of renewable energy sources. This project not only represents a significant contribution to achieving the national energy targets, but also serves as an inspiring example for other companies to accelerate the transition to more sustainable energy sources.

    With the realisation of the photovoltaic plant, the canton of Glarus is reaffirming its commitment to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future. Swisspearl AG demonstrates how companies can actively contribute to reducing their carbon footprint while increasing their energy efficiency. This initiative marks a decisive step forward in regional energy policy and sets new standards for the integration of renewable energies in industrial production.

    The approval of the photovoltaic plant in Niederurnen by the Glarus cantonal government represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of a more sustainable and energy-efficient economy. Swisspearl AG exemplifies the potential of industry to play a pioneering role in ecological change and emphasises the importance of innovative energy solutions for the regional and national economy.

  • EPFL researchers make electricity from glass panes

    EPFL researchers make electricity from glass panes

    Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL) have developed an innovative way of producing photoconductive circuits. These are printed directly onto a glass surface using an ultra-fast femtosecond laser. This new technology is translucent and requires a single material. It could one day be used to generate energy, according to a press release from EPFL.

    What happens when tellurite glass is exposed to femtosecond laser light? This is the question that Gözden Torun from the Galatea Laboratory at EPFL, in collaboration with scientists from Tokyo Tech in Japan, was trying to answer in her dissertation when she made a discovery that could one day turn windows into light sensors made from a single material, according to the press release.

    By studying how atoms in tellurite glass rearrange themselves when exposed to fast pulses of high-energy femtosecond laser light, scientists discovered the formation of nanoscale crystals of tellurium and tellurium oxide, two semiconductor materials, etched into the glass exactly where the glass had been exposed. An important discovery, a semiconductor material exposed to daylight can generate electricity.

    “Since tellurium is a semiconductor, we wondered whether it was possible to print permanent patterns on the surface of tellurite glass that could reliably induce electricity when exposed to light, and it turned out that yes,” Yves Bellouard, director of the Galatea laboratory at EPFL, is quoted as saying. “An interesting aspect of this technique is that no additional materials are needed in this process. All you need is tellurite glass and a femtosecond laser to produce an active photoconductive material.”

  • Aarau Climate Prize goes to AEW Energie AG

    Aarau Climate Prize goes to AEW Energie AG

    AEW Energie AG has won the Aarau Climate Prize 2023. The prize is awarded annually by the city council of Aarau for particularly innovative achievements, exceptional commitment or extensive projects that contribute to sustainability, explained AEW Energie in a press release. The Aargau-based energy service provider was honoured for its measures for progressive and sustainable mobility management within its own company.

    AEW Energie has set itself the goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2040 at the latest. To achieve this, the energy service provider is focussing on CO2-neutral electricity production from hydropower, photovoltaics and wind power. However, a considerable proportion of emissions are currently generated by the mobility of the company’s employees.

    AEW Energie has also developed and implemented a series of measures in this area as part of the move from the high-rise building in Obere Vorstadt to the Aeschbach neighbourhood. On the one hand, working from home was made more flexible. On the other hand, sustainable mobility for employees was supported, for example through the provision of shared bicycles, bicycle parking spaces and electric pool cars. The various initiatives were largely driven by Nicola Ruch, Head of Business Development at AEW and Mobility Management Project Manager.

    “We are delighted to receive the climate prize from the city of Aarau,” said AEW CEO Marc Ritter in the press release. “Although we have not yet implemented everything planned with mobility management, the award recognises what we have achieved so far and we see the climate prize we have received as a great motivation to continue to consistently pursue our CO2 targets.”

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

    Romande Energie invests in the start-up Popety.io

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

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

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

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

  • EWN dispenses with alpine solar plants

    EWN dispenses with alpine solar plants

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

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

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

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

  • Nationalrat setzt neue Akzente für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie

    Nationalrat setzt neue Akzente für Umwelt, Raumplanung und Energie

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

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

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

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

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

  • SFOE awards Watt d’Or 2024 energy prize

    SFOE awards Watt d’Or 2024 energy prize

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

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

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

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

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

  • Unbound Potential receives further funding from Germany

    Unbound Potential receives further funding from Germany

    Four young companies have qualified for the final second stage of the SPRIND Challenge Long-Duration Energy Storage innovation competition organised by the German Federal Agency for Leap Innovations SPRIND. One of them is Unbound Potential from Thalwil. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich will receive a further 3 million euros in funding over the next 18 months to further develop its membrane-free battery technology, Unbound Potential explains in a press release on startupticker.ch. In the first stage, the start-up received 1 million euros in funding.

    Unbound Potential has already found its first commercial customer for its 0.5 megawatt-hour membrane-free redox flow battery. The start-up intends to use the funding from Germany to expand its production capacities and for further pilot systems to validate the technology.

    “Through the competition, we can help promising technologies achieve a breakthrough for which there is not yet sufficient private venture capital,” said Jano Costard, Challenge Officer at the Federal Agency for Leap Innovations SPRIND, in the press release. “By linking further funding in the second phase of the SPRIND Challenge to interim results, we are creating competition among the teams and ensuring that investments are made in the most promising technologies and teams.”