immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Stromnetz

  • The grid becomes Switzerland’s bottleneck

    The grid becomes Switzerland’s bottleneck

    By 11 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions, the Energy Committee of the Council of States adopted the amendment to the law to speed up the expansion and conversion of the electricity grids. The committee has thus made it clear that the expansion of the grid infrastructure should no longer be treated as a political sideshow.

    This is more than just a technical step. The Commission expressly emphasises the outstanding importance of a domestic, renewable energy supply and demands that the legal framework conditions finally reflect this importance. The electricity grid is thus being transformed from a companion into the strategic backbone of energy policy.

    Overhead lines before underground cables
    The Commission emphasises one key point. Transmission grid lines should primarily be realised as overhead lines. Underground cables remain the exception and should only be considered in special cases. However, this principle should not apply in construction zones.

    The political priority is thus visibly shifting towards speed and feasibility. The more complex the balancing of interests, the longer procedures take. This is precisely where the bill wants to start and streamline planning processes.

    More room for manoeuvre when replacing
    The focus on existing buildings is particularly relevant. In the coming years, a large part of the grid infrastructure will reach the end of its service life. According to Swissgrid, structural bottlenecks are already noticeable today and two thirds of the 6,700 kilometre-long transmission grid is over 40 years old.

    The Commission therefore wants to facilitate the replacement of existing high-voltage and extra-high-voltage lines, including on existing or directly neighbouring routes. This principle should now also apply to parts of the distribution grid above 36 kV. This is a signal with an impact. Not every grid expansion begins on a greenfield site. Much is decided by replacing the existing grid more quickly.

    The silent hurdle of the energy transition
    There is also a detail with a major impact. In future, transformer stations will also be possible outside the building zone under certain conditions if no suitable location can be found within the building zone. This also shows where the energy transition gets stuck in everyday life. Often not because of the strategy, but because of the land.

    The proposal therefore hits a sore spot. Switzerland has accelerated the production of renewable energy, but the grid is threatening to become a bottleneck. If procedures continue to take years, it is not a lack of ideas that will slow down the turnaround, but a lack of lines.

  • Fuel cells to support power grids

    Fuel cells to support power grids

    Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) have conducted a joint project on the effect of hydrogen fuel cells in collaboration with the Hälg Group from St.Gallen, the Osterwalder Group, also based in St.Gallen, and Zurich-based H2 Energy AG. The experiment at the Empa Center in Dübendorf showed that the electrical energy generated by the fuel cells could relieve the burden on local power grids in district centers, according to a press release.

    The core of the project was to reduce the electricity consumption of heat pumps by producing electrical energy from local district energy cells using hydrogen fuel cells. This energy is fed into the grid to operate the heat pumps, thus reducing the load on the grid. At the same time, the experiment tested using special heat exchangers to supply average temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius to the heating network of the NEST innovation building and the Empa campus in Dübendorf. The test, which ran from October 2023 to September 2025, showed that the district energy cells were able to smooth out peaks in electricity consumption and reduce the overall cost of peak load by 10 percent.

    “Our trials showed that fuel cells can effectively balance electrical and thermal peak loads in buildings. This made it clear that hydrogen-based peak load shaving is technically feasible and provides valuable insights for the control of complex energy systems,” Binod Prasad Koirala, Deputy Head of Empa’s Urban Energy Systems research department, is quoted as saying in the press release. When using green hydrogen, the fuel cells also make a contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.

  • Infrastructure project replaces overhead lines with modern networks

    Infrastructure project replaces overhead lines with modern networks

    The Aargau municipalities of Bellikon, Remetschwil and parts of Oberrohrdorf are no longer supplied via wooden pole lines from the valley, but via a new cable line. According to a statement, AEW Energie AG has completed and commissioned a central infrastructure project on the Rohrdorferberg with this cable. As a result, 1.6 kilometres of existing wooden pole lines have been dismantled – “a contribution to a more robust, low-maintenance network and an improvement to the landscape,” according to the Aargau energy supplier.

    The Rohrdorferberg line between Künten and Fislisbach has a total length of 11.2 kilometres. A total of eight transformer stations were connected to the new line. According to the information provided, this will particularly benefit businesses “with increased requirements for security of supply”.

    AEW invested a total of CHF 3 million in the project. “By consistently expanding and cabling our grid infrastructure, we are not only increasing security of supply for the population, but also creating the conditions for a flexible and sustainable energy system,” says Christoph Fischer, who heads the Networks division at AEW.

  • Ticino shows the way to a modern power supply

    Ticino shows the way to a modern power supply

    The European energy system is facing the biggest transformation in its history. Transport, industry and buildings are being electrified, electricity demand is increasing massively and production is becoming more decentralised and volatile. For Switzerland, this means fundamentally adapting its grids. In Ticino, the course was set early on. As early as 2013, the canton brought together the major players, Swissgrid, Azienda Elettrica Ticinese (AET) and SBB, to think about electricity grids and spatial planning together.

    The analysis clearly showed that the infrastructure created in the 1950s was inefficient. Each institution had built its own lines without taking into account the overall view or the landscape. The result is a patchwork of routes through sensitive areas. Today, joint planning makes it possible to bundle several lines on one route, resulting in 140 kilometres becoming superfluous.

    Projects with national appeal
    At the heart of the realisation are three major projects, Airolo – Lavorgo in the Leventina, All’Acqua – Vallemaggia – Magadino and Lavorgo – Magadino in the Riviera and Piano di Magadino. They form the backbone for a secure supply for future generations. At the same time, they create the conditions for the dismantling of old lines, which significantly relieves the landscape.

    Lengthy procedures act as a brake
    The construction of new high-voltage lines in Switzerland often takes more than 15 years. However, close consultation in Ticino has made it possible to develop trust, coordination and joint proposals to speed up federal procedures. Municipalities and the population are actively involved in order to achieve broad-based solutions.

    Balancing landscape protection and security of supply
    Ticino combines sensitive habitats, historic villages and landscapes with lakes and mountains that are important for tourism. The balancing act between security of supply and landscape protection has been mastered here in an exemplary manner. Instead of unilaterally planning power lines, the territory is viewed as an overall system. An approach that increases acceptance and reduces conflicts.

    Federal Council wants to expand the model
    The innovative process has not gone unnoticed. The Federal Council has recognised the advantages and proposed extending the Ticino model to other cantons in a bill. This could turn a regional pioneering achievement into a national model of success, with a signalling effect for the entire energy transition.

    Ticino shows how the modernisation of critical infrastructures can succeed in a way that is technically efficient, compatible with the landscape and politically acceptable to the majority. The dismantling of 140 kilometres of power lines is only the most visible success. The decisive factor is a new way of thinking that strengthens security of supply and quality of life in equal measure.

  • Zurich invests in large-scale battery storage for greater security of supply

    Zurich invests in large-scale battery storage for greater security of supply

    Zurich City Council has applied to the municipal council for a framework credit of CHF 20 million. According to a press release, the credit is to be used for the expansion of free-standing large-scale battery storage facilities operated by Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich(ewz).

    The independently operated systems are used to store large amounts of energy, such as that generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy. In addition to the existing power plants, the large-scale storage facilities can feed energy into the grid at peak times and thus contribute to the stability of the energy system and security of supply. An important contribution can be made here, particularly in view of the requirements of increasing electrification, such as the switch to electric vehicles and heat pumps.

    According to the press release, the city council can approve ewz projects independently within this framework credit and thus significantly shorten decision-making processes. For ewz, this means that even larger projects in highly competitive business areas can be handled swiftly and remain competitive.

  • Swissgrid invests in the grid of the future

    Swissgrid invests in the grid of the future

    The transmission grid is the basis for a secure electricity supply in Switzerland and its importance is growing. Decarbonization, decentralization and digitalization are fundamentally changing the energy system. Swissgrid is responding to these developments with the “Strategic Grid 2040” project and has identified 31 key projects that need to be implemented by 2040. Around CHF 5.5 billion is to be invested in the expansion, modernization and controllability of the grid.

    Growing demands on the grid
    The transformation of the energy supply is leading to new burdens. Electricity consumption is rising sharply due to heat pumps, electromobility and data centers. At the same time, feed-in from volatile, decentralized sources is increasing. International electricity flows are increasing due to wind farms and solar farms in Europe. To meet these challenges, Swissgrid is focusing on targeted grid reinforcements, new phase-shifting transformers to control electricity flows and the comprehensive renovation of existing infrastructure.

    Planning with foresight and consideration
    The NOVA principle (grid optimization before grid reinforcement before grid expansion) is at the heart of the strategy. The grid is only expanded when all other options have been exhausted. This minimizes costs and environmental impact. At the same time, coordinated planning with cantons and partners and early involvement of the public will increase acceptance and speed up the planning process.

    Networking beyond national borders
    Swissgrid is not only planning for Switzerland, but also for the European energy future. A closer connection to the European grid and integration into a future supergrid should help to transport electricity more efficiently across continents. A regulated electricity agreement with the EU remains crucial for this integration.

  • Strengthening the Swiss electricity grid with copper and brains

    Strengthening the Swiss electricity grid with copper and brains

    By enshrining the net-zero target by 2050 in law, Switzerland has set an important course for a climate-neutral energy supply. The expansion of renewable energies such as photovoltaics, hydropower and wind power is progressing. However, the existing grid infrastructure is not optimally designed for this. The integration of fluctuating feed-ins requires a flexible electricity grid that avoids bottlenecks and ensures a stable supply.

    Grid expansion is the biggest challenge
    Switzerland has a strong transmission grid, which is of great importance for international electricity trading. Nevertheless, two thirds of the 6700 kilometers of lines are between 50 and 80 years old and need to be modernized. There is an even greater need for action at the lower grid levels. Local distribution grids are increasingly challenged as decentralized power generators such as rooftop solar systems or electric vehicles put a strain on the low-voltage grid. The capacities of these grids need to be expanded and better controlled.

    Copper and intelligence solution
    Two approaches are crucial for a future-proof grid infrastructure.
    Classic grid expansion:
    The physical expansion of the electricity grid through new lines, reinforced cabling and more powerful transformers. This is expensive, but in many cases unavoidable.
    Intelligent control systems:
    Digitalization and smart technologies can be used to efficiently regulate electricity flows. This includes, for example, flexible feed-in systems for photovoltaics, grid-friendly home batteries and optimized load management for electric cars and heat pumps. Such concepts reduce expensive grid upgrades and make the system more agile.

    Flexibility as a success factor
    A highly flexible grid can cushion power fluctuations and balance demand peaks. This can be achieved through close networking with neighboring countries, the use of storage systems such as pumped storage power plants and intelligent control mechanisms. Researchers at ETH Zurich are also investigating how electromobility can contribute to grid stability, for example through controlled charging at times of high power availability.

    Both are necessary
    Neither traditional grid expansion nor intelligent control systems alone are enough to make the Swiss electricity grid fit for the energy transition. A combination of both is needed – copper for the physical infrastructure and brains for innovative control concepts. Investments in both areas are essential in order to meet the increasing demands of renewable energies efficiently and economically.

  • ETH Zurich provides the key to the energy transition in the power grid

    ETH Zurich provides the key to the energy transition in the power grid

    Europe’s electricity grid is based on alternating current and a precise rhythm that was previously dictated by large power plants with heavy turbines. With the phasing out of coal and nuclear power, these clock generators are increasingly disappearing. What sounds like a technical side note is actually a key challenge of the energy transition. Without a stable frequency, there is a risk of power outages and system instability.

    Because wind and solar systems supply direct current, inverters are needed to convert this into alternating current that is compatible with the grid. Until now, these have passively followed the existing cycle. However, with the elimination of traditional power plants, a paradigm shift is needed. In the future, inverters will have to be grid-forming themselves, a challenge that ETH Zurich has successfully met.

    Algorithm instead of shutdown
    Under the leadership of Prof Florian Dörfler, a research team at ETH Zurich has developed a revolutionary control system for inverters. This prevents systems from switching off automatically in the event of grid faults such as voltage dips. Instead, they remain connected to the grid, actively stabilise the frequency and independently limit their power output. A protective mechanism that avoids overloads and supports the grid at the same time.

    The solution is purely software-based and therefore directly suitable for industrial use. Initial practical tests in the laboratory have been successful. A patent application has been filed for the new algorithms and they could soon be integrated into industrial control systems.

    Roadmap for the energy transition
    ETH’s innovative approach has the potential to become the backbone of the future power supply. Decentralised, flexible, stable, an electricity grid that is no longer supported by a few large central power plants, but by thousands of intelligently controlled solar and wind power plants.

    Industrial partners are invited to work together with ETH students on the realisation, for example through Master’s theses in companies. This creates a direct transfer of knowledge from research to industry and ultimately to Europe’s electricity grids.

    The contribution to the energy transition is considerable. The solution increases grid security, reduces the risk of blackouts and makes the transition to renewable energies technically feasible. A key building block for a resilient, sustainable energy future.

  • Buildings contribute to grid stability

    Buildings contribute to grid stability

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Civil engineering work for power grid at Stadelhofen railway station started

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

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

  • Energy supplier invests in climate-friendly switchgear and earthquake safety

    Energy supplier invests in climate-friendly switchgear and earthquake safety

    According to a press release, the Basel-based energy supplier IWB is strengthening the most important hub of the Basel electricity grid in the Volta substation. One of the largest switchgears in a Swiss distribution grid is being replaced there, the press release continues. IWB will replace all electrical systems in the Volta substation by 2029 and also make the building earthquake-proof. The new switchgear will be operated with a climate-friendly insulating gas and the power grid will be reinforced with additional transformers. By investing in the renovation of the building and systems, IWB is making an important contribution to the high reliability of Basel’s electricity supply, the statement continues.

    The Volta substation is the largest of IWB’s seven substations and is almost 100 years old. It was put into operation in 1932. Around a fifth of Basel’s electricity flows through the substation every day, an average of 600,000 kilowatt hours.

    A new switchgear is currently being installed. It is replacing the switchgear for the 145-kilovolt grid, which dates back to 1976. It will consist of eleven switch panels and will be 16 metres long when completed. IWB will then also replace the switchgear for the 12-kilovolt grid. It will consist of 78 switch panels and be around 60 metres long. According to IWB, these will be the largest switchgears ever installed in a Swiss supply network. Both switchgears will also be equipped with climate-friendly insulating gas.

    There are three transformers in the Volta substation that will be overhauled as part of the project. IWB will also install two additional transformers. The overall renovation of the substation will take place during ongoing operations.

  • Population calls for accelerated expansion of renewable energies

    Population calls for accelerated expansion of renewable energies

    Switzerland is about to take a decisive step in its energy policy. The government and parliament have set the course for the increased use of solar, wind and hydropower with the so-called “Mantelerlass”. A decisive step in this direction is the “Electricity Act”, which will be put to a popular vote on 9 June 2024. A representative survey conducted by a market research institute reveals that an overwhelming majority of 78% of the population wants to accelerate the expansion of renewable energies.

    Patrick Drack, Managing Director of STIEBEL ELTRON Switzerland, emphasises the importance of this law for the country’s energy future: “The Electricity Act is a fundamental building block for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 and aims to make our energy supply more sustainable and secure.” Political efforts are focussing in particular on avoiding energy shortages in winter.

    The survey results also make it clear that the Swiss population is calling for a balanced consideration of nature and landscape conservation alongside electricity production. While 42% are against prioritising electricity production over environmental protection, 58% are in favour of such prioritisation, provided it is carefully weighed up.

    Parallel to the energy transition, an increase in electricity demand is expected, particularly for heating and cooling buildings. Heat pump technology offers an efficient solution here, as it primarily utilises environmental energy. Although a high proportion of new buildings already rely on heat pumps, the heating supply for over half of all residential buildings is still based on fossil fuels. Environmentally friendly alternatives are supported by extensive subsidy programmes to facilitate the financial transition.

    The results of the “Energy Trend Monitor 2024” continue to show a strong 84% of the population in favour of financial support for households in need to convert to environmentally friendly heating systems. Similarly, 79% are in favour of targeted measures to reduce electricity prices for climate-friendly heating systems, such as the heat pump tariff.

  • AMAG commissions second photovoltaic plant in Cham

    AMAG commissions second photovoltaic plant in Cham

    AMAG has connected the second solar plant on the roof of its own car park at Alte Steinhauserstrasse 5 in Cham to the local power grid. According to a media release from the car dealer, over 786 solar modules were installed on an area of 1599 square metres. This could generate 320,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

    The public car park is operated by AMAG Parking AG. With the activation of the facility, the AMAG Group is continuing to work on the implementation of its sustainability and climate strategy. In June 2023, the car dealer had commissioned a photovoltaic roof system at AMAG Zug. As there, the electricity is intended to cover AMAG’s own needs. Any excess production is to be fed into the public power grid.

    By 2025, 75,000 square metres of the roofs of AMAG plants are to be equipped with solar panels. The AMAG Group has gradually expanded its solar capacities in recent years. This has resulted in the installation of corresponding systems on the roofs of numerous plants.

  • AMAG now also produces solar power in Zuchwil

    AMAG now also produces solar power in Zuchwil

    AMAG Zuchwil/Solothurn has installed and commissioned a photovoltaic system on the roof of the VW and Škoda building. On an area of 726 square metres, 367 solar panels are to produce 155,978 kilowatt hours of energy per year. With the same performance data, the garage expects to have a second system installed on the roof of its Audi and Seat building by the end of the year.

    “The fact that we are now also one of the AMAG businesses that can produce our own electricity with a photovoltaic system not only makes us proud, but also more sustainable and independent,” AMAG Solothurn’s managing director Raphael Biberstein is quoted as saying in a media release. “We need the electricity primarily for customer vehicles and for our own fleet.”

    By 2025, around 75,000 square metres of AMAG’s roof surface will reportedly be equipped with solar modules. This is roughly equivalent to the area of ten football pitches. This means that the car dealer will produce more than 20 per cent of its current electricity consumption itself.

  • Use of stationary hydrogen fuel cells to support the energy transition

    Use of stationary hydrogen fuel cells to support the energy transition

    Hydropower, photovoltaics and wind power are the mainstays of a renewable and ecologically sustainable energy infrastructure in Switzerland. However, the increased integration of solar energy and wind power into the electricity grid poses certain risks, as these energy sources are volatile in nature and thus pose a potential threat to the grid balance.

    The use of hydrogen offers a way to compensate for such energy fluctuations. Surplus, unpredictable solar and wind energy is not fed directly into the grid, but used to produce hydrogen by means of electrolysis. In times of energy shortage, for example caused by no wind and very cloudy weather in winter, the stored hydrogen can be used as an energy source.

    Since 2020, the Hälg Group has been working on the topic of “stationary hydrogen fuel cells in buildings”. In this context, a project team of three partner companies was formed: Osterwalder AG in St. Gallen is responsible for the production of green hydrogen through hydropower and its transport, H2Energy acts as a technology and production partner in the field of fuel cells, while the Hälg Group, as a provider of integral building technology and energy systems, is responsible for the planning, implementation and support of the entire building technology building. The vision of this project team is to create ideal energy networks in which environmentally friendly hydrogen as an energy storage medium fills the gaps left by other renewable energies.

    Stationary hydrogen fuel cell: a promising approach for a green energy economy
    The basis of the hydrogen fuel cell system has existed for almost two centuries. The increased use of hydrogen as an energy medium and substitute for fossil energy sources has led to significant further development of fuel cell technology in the recent past. The production method of hydrogen is essential for the ecological compatibility of this process. So-called “grey” hydrogen is produced by decomposing fossil fuels. Green” hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced by electrolysis of water using environmentally friendly energy sources such as hydropower, solar energy and wind power.

    By using only “green” hydrogen in the project group’s ecosystem, the stationary fuel cell generates electricity and heat in an environmentally friendly way. Hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel cell. By applying electrical voltage between an anode and a cathode, the two elements react and combine to form water vapour. In the course of this, electrical energy and heat are also generated, which can be used directly to supply buildings and areas. The water produced in the process is reused.

    The hydrogen fuel cell is characterised by its environmental friendliness precisely because no pollutant emissions are produced or released in the course of the chemical reaction. Only pure, low-energy and harmless water vapour escapes as “waste gas”. Consequently, the function of the hydrogen fuel cell is considered to be completely emission-free.

    Advantages of the hydrogen fuel cell building technology solution

    • Maximises the value of the property and increases its attractiveness
    • Enhances the reputation of the facility owner and makes a progressive responsible statement on environmental protection, climate change and green transformation.
    • Emergency power supply in the building: partial or full self-sufficiency possible
    • Reduction of power and connection costs
    • Low maintenance costs due to non-moving parts
    • Modular design: from 80 kWel / 78 kWth, scalable as required.
    • Reduction of winter electricity demand, grid load, winter electricity gaps
    • Assistance in decarbonisation, environmental protection and reduction of greenhouse gases
    • Peak shaving of the electrical grid

    Ideal energy network
    It is important that energy producers and consumers have access to a wide range of environmentally friendly technologies. In addition to hydrogen fuel cells, these include heat pumps, chillers, solar thermal, wind energy and photovoltaics, as well as battery short-term storage and bidirectional e-vehicles. Further information at https://haelg.ch/stationaere-wasserstoff-brennstoffzelle/

  • 40 years on the grid – Europe's first photovoltaic system in Switzerland

    40 years on the grid – Europe's first photovoltaic system in Switzerland

    Ticino Solare was installed on the roof of a technical college building near Lugano. On May 13, 1982, the south-facing facility supplied power to the grid. The installed power: 10 kWp. That was unusual at the time. Later the panels were transferred to another building.

    The condition, quality, color and performance of the solar cells were regularly checked and measured. An investigation after 35 years of operation came to the conclusion that the cells are showing signs of wear – keywords are corrosion, burned areas (hot spots), cracks in the cells or defective connection cables. But: The majority of the modules still worked well and still delivered at least 80 percent of the power overall. Manufacturers of solar panels usually guarantee a service life of 25 to 30 years.

    Energeiaplus asked Mauro Caccivio what makes TISO-10 special. Caccivio heads the photovoltaics laboratory at the Ticino University of Applied Sciences SUPSI. "It's absolutely amazing. Looking at the black and white photos from back then and considering the technological advances that have been made since then, you can understand how visionary the project was and how courageous the team behind it was. TISO was important for the subsequent massive spread of solar energy: right from the start of its industrial phase, photovoltaic technology was able to return the energy required for the production of solar modules to the power grid many times over. This is crucial to minimize the impact on the environment and nature, and this is even more true today given the tremendous evolution we are witnessing,

  • New large storage system should help stabilize the network

    New large storage system should help stabilize the network

    CKW and Axpo are responding to the expansion of volatile renewable energies. In 2021 you will be implementing a battery storage system in Rathausen which, according to a CKW announcement , can be used for three different markets at the same time for the first time. On the one hand, the system can provide electricity when it is needed, thereby breaking the peak loads. On the other hand, it should help Swissgrid to keep the voltage in the grid stable. Ultimately, it helps to quickly balance out differences between the supply of electricity and demand at any time.

    The system consists of two large batteries, each weighing 50 tons, and each housed in a 12 meter long container. It has an output of 6.25 megawatts. That is enough to supply 15,000 households with electricity for one hour.

    The system will be installed from mid-2021 and integrated into CKW's medium-voltage network.