Bridging the gap: How Switzerland can reinforce its winter electricity supply
On 20.06.2024 by Adrien MellotElectricity autarky is a sensitive topic in Swiss politics, with electricity supply in winter often being the centre of attention. The bill on a secure electricity supply, voted on June 9, 2024, introduced a new provision aiming to limit net winter electricity imports to current levels as Switzerland transitions. In a recent study, we delved into how to align the current Swiss transition roadmap with this new policy goal.
Climate science may not require us to stop burning fossil fuels, but everything else does
On 14.06.2024 by Anthony Patt, Johan Lilliestam, Nicoletta BrazzolaWhile technologies to trap and store CO2 underground may give a license to fossil fuels to survive in a net-zero emissions world, in this opinion piece we argue that this is economically irrational and a risky gamble, calling for clear phase-outs of fossil fuels.
Renewable energy projects take longer to commission than a decade ago
On 06.05.2024 by Anurag GumberThe time to commission and install new renewable energy projects has increased over the past decade. In short, we are building slower. Here, we explore factors that have affected timelines and suggest how to accelerate climate action.
CCTS can already avoid CO2 emissions: An overview of the environmental impacts of carbon capture, transport, and storage
On 26.04.2024 by Johannes BurgerNet zero economies will need carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCTS) to decarbonize CO2-intensive industries, like cement production, and compensate for residual emissions from agriculture or aviation. Achieving the magnitudes of CCTS needed for net zero requires an infrastructure capable of capturing, transporting, and storing several megatonnes of CO2 per year as soon as possible. Pipelines are best suited for transporting large amounts of CO2 but do not exist in Europe yet and take several years to plan and build. Therefore, infrastructure for immediately capturing, transporting, and storing CO2 will rely on currently available technologies. As no experience in applying these technologies to CCTS exists, their climate impact on a CCTS system is unknown. As we show in a recent study, a CCTS system with available technologies can avoid more than half of the emissions produced at an industry plant in Switzerland.
Hydrogen: handle with care
On 29.01.2024 by Anthony PattFor Anthony Patt, Europe’s ambitious plans for a hydrogen economy may be too ambitious, tipping the scales towards the interests of the fossil fuel industry, rather than energy consumers and the climate. Switzerland should be careful before jumping fully on board, he argues.
Unveiling the Power of Open Energy Data in Switzerland: Learnings from the Energy Data Summit
On 15.01.2024 by Adriana Marcucci, Rebecca Lordan-Perret, Christian Schaffner, Matthias EifertThe Energy Data Summit, held during Energy Week @ ETH, participants discussed the pivotal role of open energy data in Switzerland’s energy transition. Our blog discusses the key takeaways of the summit, including the significance of energy data, the current status of open energy data in Switzerland, and the existing challenges and potential solutions. Enjoy!
Energy systems and insurance: a primer
On 12.12.2023 by Kate LonerganInsurance services help individuals, businesses, and organisations be more resilient and recover from financial losses. But what role does insurance have in the energy sector? Find out below with some key takeaways from our recent publication Ensuring/insuring resilient energy system infrastructure in Environment Systems and Decisions.
Unveiling the power of the sun: A guide to estimating your building’s solar energy potential and beyond
On 04.10.2023 by Ayca DuranHarnessing the sun’s energy to generate electricity through building envelopes presents an opportunity for us to contribute to a better future. But what is the energy generation potential of your building, and how can you estimate it? Beyond energy generation and savings, what should you keep in mind before integrating photovoltaic systems (PVs)? Making an informed decision is essential when thinking about installing solar PV on your building. This involves understanding its solar generation potential and weighing all other relevant factors. In this blog post, I will walk you through the process—from estimating solar energy potential to considering factors beyond mere energy generation, helping you make an informed decision.
The search for clean flexible power: what can low-carbon multi-energy systems offer?
On 02.08.2023 by Arvind SrinivasanThe integration of renewable energies increases the need for flexible power to be able to always match supply and demand. One source of clean flexible power could be coming from the end-users as the systems at local scale transition to low-carbon multi-energy systems. The flexibility potential of multi-energy systems for balancing services can be quantified by integrating the rules and rewards governing flexibility in energy system models. It aids the end-users to meet their energy economically and the transmission system operators to drive regulation designs that could maximize flexibility from end-users.
Understanding the carbon footprint of your daily commute: a guide to climate-friendly urban transport
On 19.07.2023 by Romain Sacchi, Christian BauerYou are probably aware that your daily commute contributes to climate change. But just how much? In this blog post, we offer a detailed look at the carbon footprint of various transport modes, from bicycles and scooters to cars and public transit. Learn how everyday choices can significantly affect your impact on the environment and discover more sustainable options for urban mobility. We also showcase user-friendly tools that you can use for free to give you a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of your transport choices. Ready to make greener choices? Let’s dive into the findings together!
Are Swiss solar PV auctions well-designed and how can they be improved?
On 04.07.2023 by Mak DukanAuctions for renewable energy support have become the standard way to give out subsidies to solar energy projects and other renewables in Europe. In an auction, investors usually compete to receive the subsidy based on their offered support price, where the bidders with the lowest offered prices win. The Swiss government has started using auctions to award investment subsidies to larger PV projects. Are the auctions designed well and fit for purpose? How have the auctions performed until now?
Land-free bioenergy for a carbon-neutral Europe –why, what, how?
On 20.06.2023 by Fei WuNavigating the complexities of bioenergy, its potential for carbon neutrality, and its conflicts with land, food, and feed resources is a pressing issue. What if we could circumvent these issues and focus solely on land-free bioenergy, similar to growing mushrooms on waste coffee grounds for a delicious dish? Waste and byproducts can generate valuable bioenergy, playing strategic roles in a future sustainable energy system. This blog post presents key findings from our latest research papers, providing insights into the strategic applications of land-free bioenergy and its policy implications. Join us in exploring the ‘why,’ ‘what’, and ‘how’ of deploying land-free bioenergy effectively in the quest for carbon neutrality.
Can Switzerland transition to a secure renewables-based energy system? Absolutely!
On 08.06.2023 by Christian Schaffner, Gabriela HugGabriela Hug – an expert in power transmission networks – argues that securing an affordable energy supply from renewable sources is not a utopian ideal for Switzerland, but rather a practical and feasible necessity.
Should policymakers promote community solar PV systems in cities?
On 31.05.2023 by Danielle Griego, Prakhar Mehta, Alejandro Nunez-MartinezCommunity solar systems, defined as medium to large-scale PV installations co-owned by multiple building owners and/or tenants, offer one option to increase PV adoption in cities. This blogpost summarizes the findings of our recent paper that explores if, by how much and under which conditions community solar could help accelerate PV adoption in cities.
Why we need electricity trade
On 17.05.2023 by Anthony PattTo decarbonize our economy, electricity will replace oil and natural gas as the primary energy carrier. Where should that power come from? Many people argue that all of it should be produced domestically. Careful analysis suggests some share of it should be imported, says Anthony Patt.
We need more transparent supply chains for a low-carbon society – the case of lithium mining
On 03.05.2023 by Vanessa SchenkerEvery time we calculate the environmental impacts of an electric vehicle, we use data from the lithium carbonate production at the Salar de Atacama in Chile. To meet soaring lithium demand, other, more polluting mining pathways are emerging. However, poor data availability is preventing proper accounting, leading to underestimated environmental damages. What we need are more transparent supply chains for a low-carbon society.
Europe’s infrastructure investments are not growing fast enough to reach net zero
On 25.04.2023 by Lena KlaaßenMassive investment in low-carbon infrastructure is required to put Europe on a path to net zero by 2050. While this is no big surprise, it is astonishing that investments are still growing rather slowly, even for market-ready technologies such as onshore wind or solar PV. This blogpost quantifies current investment gaps in Europe’s energy infrastructure and discusses the hurdles that must be urgently overcome to reach the required investment levels.
Ever wondered what urban integrated photovoltaics could mean for spaces and infrastructure in Zurich?
On 04.04.2023 by Maximilian GesterThrough different scales and spaces in the city of Zurich, this article analyzes the potential for UIPV (Urban Integrated Photovoltaics). Based on interviews with stakeholders such as architects, engineers, and the city of Zurich, the article suggests various PV implementations and their benefits at 4 different scales: Bus shelters, Parking lots, Plazas and Bridges.
The missing piece: How diverse behaviors shape flexible electric vehicle charging
On 22.03.2023 by Christine Johanna GschwendtnerIn an increasingly decentralized and electrified energy system, electric vehicle (EV) users and their diverse behaviors could both drastically hinder or substantially support current energy transition efforts in many regions globally. The negative or positive effect depends on how users are integrated into the system. The grid risks experiencing high peaks in electricity demand when many EV users charge their vehicles at the same time. Changes in charging behavior that shift charging to other times and places can substantially minimize grid expansion needs and balance electricity demand with variable renewable energy supply. Despite this flexibility potential, behavioral aspects of EV charging are often oversimplified or even neglected in studies and pilot projects. This blogpost discusses how different behaviors can support the integration of EVs and renewable energy.
Why and how to put demand-side flexibility at the heart of the zero-carbon electricity transition
On 16.03.2023 by Christine Johanna GschwendtnerElectricity systems require more and more flexibility to integrate increasing shares of variable renewable electricity and avoid costly grid expansion. The demand side – involving electricity end-users – will be key in providing relatively cheap flexibility. Looking beyond the technical aspects is crucial to leverage this potential; namely, by addressing social and regulatory challenges. Effective compensation mechanisms for providing flexibility and procurement strategies for different services, particularly at the distribution grid level, need to be established while enabling the participation of small flexibility providers.
Five global energy conversations to follow in 2023
On 07.03.2023 by Leopold Peiseler, Churchill Omondi Agutu, Kate LonerganIn this blog post, editors Kate, Churchill, and Leopold identify five global energy conversations they will be following in 2023, which they believe will be of interest to you. Check out their picks to stay informed and engaged in these important discussions.
Diversifying and scaling direct air capture for a net-zero future
On 28.02.2023 by Katrin SievertTo meet net-zero targets by mid-century, gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year must be removed through direct air capture and storage (DACS). However, current deployment is low, requiring DACS technologies to be deployed at an unprecedented pace. The blog post explores the two most advanced capture methods used in DACS, compares their scalability, and stresses the significance of investing in multiple technologies over the next decade instead of solely relying on existing approaches.
America’s Inflation Reduction Act is asking too much of car manufacturers and electric vehicle supply chains
On 06.12.2022 by Bessie NollAmerica’s recently passed climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), provides strong support for accelerated adoption of clean vehicles in the US. Subsidies are generous for consumers looking to go electric, but only for vehicles that meet strict geographic requirements for critical mineral sourcing, battery manufacturing and vehicle assembly. Unabashedly, the US is seeking to shift the EV supply chain from China to North America, but at what cost?—I discuss whether the isolationist IRA is the right move for the US and, more importantly, the climate.
Security of electricity supply: Can the industry sector fix the Swiss winter deficit?
On 28.11.2022 by Marius Schwarz, Lukas FedererSecurity of electricity supply and electricity costs have become major business concerns for the Swiss industry sector. On the current trajectory towards a clean energy system, situations in winter with reduced availability of electricity followed by soaring prices may occur more regularly. With Switzerland establishing a strategic reserve to overcome electricity shortage situations, we argue in this blog post that demand-side measures – especially load reductions by industry – should be part of such a reserve, even if the contribution may be small. We present our findings from quantitative assessments and insights from expert interviews.
Tackling the energy crisis in Europe is a common effort
On 23.11.2022 by Jacob MannhardtThe secret to getting through the energy crisis is that everyone in Europe does their part. And a bit of luck. In this blogpost, we highlight some preliminary results from our investigation of the gas shortage in Europe – because winter is here but Russian gas is not. We model the optimal response to the gas crisis to outline a potential strategy for European countries to get through this daunting situation.
Climate protection benefits the economy
On 07.11.2022 by Anthony PattWhile the economic impacts of climate policy are generally perceived as costs, Anthony Patt proposes the opposite perspective. For Switzerland, converting the energy system and reaching the net-zero target may net benefit the economy, he finds.
Did you know that access to electricity is not recognized as a universal human right?
On 01.11.2022 by Vanja DjinlevElectricity consumption is closely and positively related with global economic and human development across different geographical, social, and cultural contexts. As a Sustainable Development Goal (Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy) and as an integral part of the water-energy-food nexus, access to electricity is vital to our individual and collective security and well-being. Despite the importance, access to electricity is not explicitly recognized as a universal human right. This blog article outlines the way to make access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity a universal human right, and explores the practical implications of the action.
Context matters and electrification models should reflect it
On 18.10.2022 by Churchill Omondi Agutu, Florian Manuel EgliThis blogpost discusses a key shortcoming in electrification models used by policymakers and international organizations to chart electricity access pathways in sub-Saharan Africa – unrealistic financing cost assumptions. We highlight why this often overlooked flaw in electrification models could slacken efforts to reach universal electricity access by 2030 and highlight why it matters.
Is there a role for blue hydrogen in a green energy transition?
On 23.09.2022 by Russell McKenna, Anna Peecock, Alfonso Martinez-FelipeThe global energy transition requires a dramatic shift towards renewable and low-carbon energy technologies. Hydrogen is one of these and can be used to store intermittent solar and wind power. As well as being produced from green electricity by electrolysis, it can also be manufactured by capturing and storing carbon dioxide during the conversion of natural gas. This blog article sheds light on the role that these two options of low-carbon hydrogen production could play in the near and far future.
Energy system modeling studies lag behind policy making
On 04.07.2022 by Paula ThimetUp until now, energy system modeling using bottom-up capacity expansion models has primarily focused on investigating cost-optimal transition pathways of national energy systems. Now that the transition is accelerating, it is time for this modeling community to start investigating the question of “How do we get to net zero?” by focusing more strongly on how policies can accelerate or impede the transition.
Why we should change the way we environmentally assess building retrofits
On 09.05.2022 by Linus WalkerBuilding retrofits are increasingly assessed from an environmental perspective. Standard assessment methods, however, largely do not consider future developments and fail to take into account the state of climate emergency where the time horizon is substantially shorter than the expected building lifetime. Therefore a more forward-looking analysis is required. Including global warming, electricity decarbonization, and aligning the analysis period with 2050 goals give greater weight to material-based embodied emissions. I, therefore, claim that construction materials are substantially more relevant in the fight against global warming than currently considered in most assessments.
Two key ways Switzerland can promote electricity access and take climate action in low-income countries
On 03.05.2022 by Yael Borofsky, Churchill Omondi AgutuEarlier this year, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) organised the first International Cooperation Forum in Geneva to address poverty and climate change. We highlight our key takeaways about electricity access from the event.
Making gas network regulation fit for decarbonization
On 22.04.2022 by Paul WaidelichTo meet our global climate targets, the use of gas distribution networks will likely decline over the coming decades in Europe. Current gas price hikes and shifts away from Russian supplies will accelerate this transition. Under current regulation, however, lower network usage leads to increasing network tariffs, and to customers paying for potentially redundant infrastructure. Therefore, we need an honest debate about the future of gas networks, and who will carry the costs if pipelines are decommissioned prematurely.
Cheers to 50 articles! 500 more perhaps?
On 04.04.2022 by Churchill Omondi Agutu, Christine Johanna GschwendtnerSo the Energy Blog @ETH just turned 50 articles old! Writing for the win! To think that an idea that was sparked by an unexpected encounter of students Flo, Yael, Evan & Alejandro, in their early PhD years while at ETH Zurich, what a feat! Through the support of the ETH Energy Science Centre (ESC), the Energy Blog @ETH team, consisting mostly of PhD students, along with professors and ESC staff, has worked to create a space where anyone working in energy at ETH Zurich can showcase their research or give informed opinions on pertinent energy topics of our time.
In this article, we at the Energy Blog @ETH team want to give you a glimpse “behind the curtain” into the inner workings of our team! What is the #ETHEnergyBlog about? And how can you be part of this budding team?
More curse than blessing? Carbon offsetting by planting trees
On 22.03.2022 by Clémence Rüegsegger and Leopold PeiselerImages of lush forests often carry notions of sustainability and eco-friendliness. But can planting trees be an effective instrument against climate change? Counterintuitively, there are many practical barriers rendering this question difficult to answer. This blog post calls for a public debate on afforestation/reforestation and carbon offsetting.
Energy prices skyrocket in Europe – policymakers must now set the incentives right for the climate
On 16.03.2022 by Florian Manuel EgliThe Russian war on Ukraine has provoked skyrocketing gas prices. High gas prices can help the transition to a renewable energy system, but European decision makers must now consider policies to decrease the price volatility exposure of renewables to safeguard the transition. In an analysis recently published in Nature Energy, we show that such policies can strengthen the political support for long-term carbon prices.
When SDGs conflict: Hydropower, people and the environment
On 11.02.2022 by Fabian HafnerThe deployment of clean and sustainable energy is regarded as a pillar of sustainable global development according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Counter-intuitively, this goal can sometimes directly interfere with other developmental objectives. Based on a working paper by UN ESCAP about the energy landscape in North and Central Asia, I highlight one of the conflicts that arises within this development – hydropower (SDG7) vs. water access (SDG 6) and food security (SDG2), based on a working paper that quantifies interlinkages between renewable energy use and other indicators contained within the SDGs.
Green coalitions’ contradictions – why we need innovative policies for building stock decarbonization
On 05.01.2022 by Ivalin PetkovProminent policy initiatives all over the globe are polarizing society for how to govern an increasingly unaffordable building stock in the era of sustainability – even in the quaint city of Basel in traditionally neutral Switzerland. While our readership is primarily concerned with energy and CO₂, here I present an emerging conflict between social and environmental policies in the building sector – primarily due to the silo mentality of (green-leaning) politicians and policymakers. I argue why we need to break down these silos by innovating our current arsenal of policy tools to achieve the broader set of goals.
Battling the boom of large cars: How to increase the adoption of small battery electric vehicles
On 15.12.2021 by Raphael HörlerAlmost every second new car registered is categorized as a sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) or large car in Switzerland, Europe, China and the U.S. This leads to potential problems like increased greenhouse gas emissions and fatal accidents with pedestrians. What are sustainable alternatives and how can we make them appealing to these customers?
Climate Action or Imposed Energy Poverty? The Hypocrisy of COP26 Fossil Fuel International Finance Bans
On 09.12.2021 by Jonah MessingerBy the end of the United Nations (UN) COP26 climate conference, almost forty nations and finance institutions, the vast majority of which are North American or European, agreed to ban public financing for international fossil fuel projects by 2022. Notably, the agreement neglected to apply such measures to the signatory countries themselves. If acted upon, this ban will likely hinder economic growth and cast doubt on aspirations for modernity in much of the developing world. This agreement pins the burden of decarbonization on the very nations least responsible for global warming and in most need of economic development.
Driving or scooting towards shared mobility: what’s in it for urban dwellers?
On 30.11.2021 by Konstantin Krauss“I am dependent on my car!” is a statement widely heard in discussions about passenger transport in Germany. But: are you? Or are there some new options out there that could help you get around? Let us find out what these new options are, what they can do for your mobility, and what they can do to reduce our carbon footprint.
Wasserstoff wäre ein Rückschritt
On 25.11.2021 by Anthony PattUm die Erderwärmung einzudämmen muss die Welt bis Mitte Jahrhundert aus der fossilen Energie aussteigen. Wir bewegen uns nun in die richtige Richtung. Nahezu alle neuen Investitionen im Energiesektor fliessen in erneuerbare Energiequellen. Batteriebetriebene Elektrofahrzeuge (BEV) werden immer beliebter. Und die meisten neuen Gebäude heizen nicht fossil. Klar gibt es Hürden. Das alles muss schneller gehen, und es braucht eine konsequentere Klimapolitik. Was den Wandel aus meiner Sicht jedoch am stärksten gefährdet, kommt heute als Teil der Lösung «getarnt» daher: Wasserstoff.
Hydrogen won’t help the energy transition
On 25.11.2021 by Anthony PattTo save the climate, the world needs to stop using fossil fuels by mid-century. We are finally headed in the right direction. Nearly all new power-sector investment is going into renewable energy sources. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are becoming popular. Most new buildings are being built with non-fossil heating systems. The pace of change needs to accelerate, and stronger climate policies are required. Yet one of the most serious threats to all of this is currently masquerading as clean energy’s friend: hydrogen.
From the SCCER to SWEET – Past, present and future of energy research at ETH Zurich
On 14.10.2021 by Gianfranco Guidati, Christian SchaffnerAfter the Fukushima disaster, the Swiss Federation decided to boost energy research in support of the Energy Strategy 2050. Its primary goal was to replace nuclear electricity generation with renewables while maintaining a secure and affordable energy supply. This research was organized by Innosuisse within the eight Swiss Competence Centers for Energy Research (SCCER), which came to an end in 2020. Insights from the SCCER have formed the basis for intensified research in the field of energy from 2021 onwards. The new research programme SWiss Energy research for the Energy Transition (SWEET) launched by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, will take on the challenging and exciting task of carrying forward this research as Switzerland works toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. While the SCCERs focused on specific aspects of the energy transition (e.g. grids, heat, supply of electricity), the focus of the SWEET programme is on integrating all these aspects with a holistic and systemic approach.
Deep-sea mining for our mobility transition: the quest for sustainable batteries
On 09.07.2021 by Leopold PeiselerClimate change is pressing and we need fast decarbonisation of all aspects of life. As a multi-purpose technology, batteries play a central role in the reduction of carbon emissions. However, the current supply chain of Lithium-ion batteries is often associated with environmental and social burdens. Thus, some voices are advocating alternative mining: potato-sized rocks, rich in critical metals. The catch? These rocks lie 4000-6000m deep in the oceans and we have little to no idea about this niche ecosystem or the severity of impacts on it if mining were to occur.
Wooden buildings: a natural carbon sink boosted by modern manufacturing technologies
On 23.06.2021 by Xuqian YanWood is an ancient construction material, but it has been gradually substituted with concrete and steel. However, the advantages of wood are now being (re)discovered as sustainability becomes a global interest and advanced manufacturing technologies become available. This article focuses on its advantages in carbon capture, digital construction, and prefabrication.
Why old buildings matter – The story of building refurbishments
On 10.06.2021 by Mario FreiIt is estimated that buildings are responsible for 36% of global final energy use and 40% of the energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Buildings are also complex machines with long life cycles, which include regular maintenance and updates. Thus, buildings and particularly building refurbishments provide manifold and exciting opportunities to address climate change issues at low cost and with (free) co-benefits.
Unser Beitrag zum Klimaschutz – Was können wir selbst und was kann die Schweiz tun?
On 27.05.2021 by Christian Schaffner, Anthony Patt, Marco MazzottiHeute ist nationaler Klimatag in der Schweiz. Wir haben nicht mehr viel Zeit, um unsere Klimaziele zu erreichen und den von uns versprochenen Anteil im Kampf gegen die Klimaerwärmung umzusetzen. Aber wir haben bereits heute ganz konkrete Möglichkeiten, einen Beitrag zu leisten. Sei das in der Wahl unseres nächsten Autos, bei der Sanierung unseres Eigenheims, oder bei der Wahl der Feriendestination. Und dabei kann die Schweiz zu einem Vorzeigeland von technisch, wirtschaftlich und auch gesellschaftlich machbaren Lösungen für eine nachhaltige Energieversorgung werden. Packen wir es an!
Our contribution to climate mitigation – What can we do personally and what can Switzerland do?
On 27.05.2021 by Christian Schaffner, Anthony Patt, Marco MazzottiToday is National Climate Day in Switzerland. We don’t have much time left to reach our climate goals and to implement our promised share in the fight against global warming – but we already have concrete ways to contribute today! Be it in the choice of our next car, the refurbishment of our own home, or the choice of our vacation destination. Switzerland could become a showcase country for technically, economically and socially feasible solutions for a sustainable energy supply. Let’s do it!
Keeping it cool in Switzerland: The critical impact of air-conditioning uptake
On 11.05.2021 by Robin Mutschler, Philipp Heer, Sven Eggimann, Martin RuedisueliToday, only a minority of Swiss households have air conditioners installed for cooling. This might change due to the warming climate and the growing integration of heat pumps to new buildings, which can be used for heating and cooling. The Swiss cooling energy demand may reach a similar order of magnitude compared to the heating demand by mid-century onwards, which could have a significant impact on the energy system.
Why we need net-zero emissions scenarios for mid-century
On 27.04.2021 by Gianfranco GuidatiOur goal is not to predict the future, rather to shape it. Net-zero scenarios for the energy system help us do that. Although they deliver only a blurred view of the future, they allow us to guess the shape of things to come, and most importantly to formulate actions for today that will put us on the right track.
Let’s pay more attention to the co-benefits of Switzerland’s decarbonization targets
On 19.04.2021 by Massimo Filippini, Florian Landis, Gustav Fredriksson, Jonas SavelsbergTo help keep global warming in check, Switzerland has committed to a net-zero emissions target by the mid-century. The required energy transition will likely give rise to costs, but it will also yield large co-benefits in terms of, for instance, improved health outcomes from less pollution. These benefits from the energy transition are, however, often overlooked. We argue that to take sound decisions related to the energy transition, it is important to consider all the associated costs as well as benefits.
The role of seasonal energy storage in decarbonizing the energy system
On 12.04.2021 by Ivalin Petkov, Paolo GabrielliEnergy storage is required to reliably and sustainably integrate renewable energy into the energy system. Diverse storage technology options are necessary to deal with the variability of energy generation and demand at different time scales, ranging from mere seconds to seasonal shifts. However, only a few technologies are capable of offsetting the long-term (seasonal) mismatch between renewable generation and energy demand. Here we outline the role and potential of seasonal energy storage to decarbonize the energy system.
A voice from exile – Life after Fukushima
On 07.04.2021 by Bessie NollFutaba, host of the Fukushima prefecture TEPCO Daiichi nuclear power plant, was evacuated in March, 2011. It has since remained empty. Only recently reopened to the public, Futaba now resembles that of a forgotten ghost town, waiting quietly for life to resume. For Matsueda Atsushi, a once proud Futaba resident, a return home is ridden with doubt and unease.
福島から10年後 – When institutional incumbents hinder energy transitions: Japan’s energy story
On 29.03.2021 by Bessie NollBessie is a PhD student in the Energy Politics Group at ETH Zurich studying the transport transition. As part of a mid-PhD internship with the Schweizerische Energie-Stiftung (SES), she travelled to Japan in January 2021 to research and report on the 10-year anniversary of the Fukushima disaster of 2011. A more detailed reporting as part of the SES project can be found here.
Embracing globalization to foster the energy transition
On 02.03.2021 by Xuqian YanGlobalization could benefit the energy transition in many ways. Inevitably, however, some factors might hinder the process, such as resistance from the current beneficiaries and concerns for energy security. With an empathetic mindset and willingness to find win-win solutions, we could hopefully solve the issues and fully utilize the power of globalization to foster the energy transition.
The hitchhiker’s guide to navigating battery misinformation
On 15.02.2021 by Fei WuUnprecedented technological advances, drastic cost declines, and the global transition toward low-carbon infrastructure have made batteries one of the most important technologies of our times. Separating facts about batteries from fiction is vital, especially in a time of rampant misinformation. This guide highlights some of the red flags you should look out for while traversing the seemingly infinite universe of battery information.
Promoting renewable energy sources in Greece: the need for change and the obstacles along the way
On 05.02.2021 by Gabriela HugClimate change urges every country to take action. Greece has decided to phase-out lignite, a key fuel in its energy mix, and increase the installed capacity of renewable energy sources. Citizens often oppose new renewable energy investments, like new wind farms. What can the Greek government do to ease this transition?
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and car sharing: Joining forces to decarbonize electricity and transport?
On 25.01.2021 by Christine Johanna GschwendtnerHow can we couple future developments in the electricity and transport systems to support decarbonization? Combining Vehicle-to-Grid and car sharing could foster both innovations and achieve synergies in decarbonizing both sectors.
Why electric vehicles are more sustainable than you might think
On 12.01.2021 by Martin BeuseDespite the recent flood of (non-academic) studies claiming differently, battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV) already provide significant environmental benefits over internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. This gap is only widening, as policy, academia, and industry are coming together to rapidly improve BEVs and battery technology in particular.
When computational models can evaluate the impact of policies objectively, why are they rarely used in public policymaking?
On 14.12.2020 by Marius SchwarzWhat should the future Swiss energy system look like? How can nuclear power be replaced? Will we have enough electricity on days where no sun is shining, no wind is blowing, and heating demand is high? Without clear answers, the discussion on the future Swiss energy system becomes bipartisan and emotional. Computational models can provide answers, facilitating a discussion less driven by subjective impressions but rather by profound technical analysis.
How smart grids will change the way architects have to design buildings
On 30.11.2020 by Christoph WaibelIn order to efficiently integrate intermittent renewable energy into our grids, we need to change the role that buildings play in a city. Instead of being mere consumers, they need to become a swarm of smart prosumers capable of stabilizing the grid. This calls for a new way how architects should design buildings, leading to the next era of architecture: “Energy Responsivism”.
Promoting adoption of electric motorcycles in Nepal: Challenges and Opportunities
On 17.11.2020 by Nilkanth KumarKathmandu’s stark air pollution and limited public transport infrastructure poses a challenge towards achieving sustainable and adequate transport. Motorcycles are the most sought after mode of private mobility in Nepal. Electric motorcycles appear to be a viable and promising solution, but several technological, market and behavioural factors hinder their higher adoption.
Beyond more Chargers for Electric Vehicles in Zurich
On 10.11.2020 by Gracia BrückmannThe conventional wisdom is that to increase battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake, we need more charging points. However, when we spoke with citizens, car dealership representatives, representatives from car import companies, and local government about the challenges and opportunities for BEVs in Zurich, they mention different challenges, too, and present solutions to overcome them e.g., including BEVs in coherent sustainable transport systems and reducing political uncertainty.
Accelerating the energy transition in developing countries: Inclusion of women in clean energy strategies
On 16.10.2020 by Cristina de los Angeles Dominguez HernandezIn rural communities, women are the primary energy users as they are the ones performing household chores such as cooking and domestic work. For this reason, they are the most affected along with children from the use of highly-pollutant conventional fuels. Ironically, most of the time they are excluded from clean energy strategies targeted toward transitioning to clean fuels. My research has shown that gender focused initiatives targeting women can play a major role in accelerating this transition to affordable, safe, and reliable energy.
Data exchange via virtual assistants is key to unlocking the full potential of the future energy system
On 01.10.2020 by Matthias SulzerConnecting buildings to a cross-sectoral, decentralized energy system is a proven means of integrating more renewable energy sources and further increasing energy efficiency. However, the operation of such highly interconnected energy systems is becoming painstaking. Data and algorithms will be the key to overcome these pains and to unlock the innovative systems’ full potential.
Charging Stations in Public Parking Spaces: Case Study from Zurich’s Blue Zones
On 16.09.2020 by Ahmad Al MugharbilAlthough electric mobility has established itself commercially, lack of convenient charging infrastructure remains one of the most substantial barriers for buying an electric vehicle, from a customer’s point of view. This is especially the case for people that park their vehicles in public parking zones. This case study from Zurich’s Blue Zones discusses the techno-economic considerations policymakers need to know about investing on public charging infrastructure.
Building Resilience to the Next Pandemic: The “Power” of sub-Saharan Africa’s Off-grid Electricity Sector
On 13.07.2020 by Churchill Omondi AgutuIn the wake of the current global pandemic, building resilience to future pandemics will be on the minds of many policymakers going forward. For sub-Saharan Africa, linking electrification with essential services such as healthcare, clean water and sanitation, could do double duty by expanding electricity access and making these countries more resilient to COVID-19.
Navigating towards the future of renewable energy markets
On 08.07.2020 by Maciej SzybiakThe past decade was undoubtedly a great period for renewable energy (RE) sector. In 2019 alone, the total investment in RE projects worldwide amounted to over USD 250 billion, what equals one-third of the Swiss GDP or construction of 170 Wembley stadiums. However, investing is just the first element in the business puzzle. The question now is how to make RE projects profitable or at least non loss-making. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) seem to be a promising systematic solution
Jointly owned PV should be the new solar ownership model / Gemeinschaftliches Eigentum: der neue Ansatz für Photovoltaikanlagen in der Nachbarschaft
On 26.06.2020 by Danielle Griego, Prakhar Mehta, Alejandro Nunez-MartinezAs societies transition from using predominantly centralized energy supply sources to increasing dependency on distributed renewable energy generation, it is no longer enough to singularly focus on energy efficiency. In particular, the time sensitivity of electricity generated from solar and wind must also become an integral part of future electric consumption behavior patterns. In this article, I outline how joint ownership of community-scale PV systems have vast potential to establish long-term and intelligent electricity consumption behavior patterns among co-owners.
Coal phase-out: Conflictive but unavoidable
On 12.06.2020 by jmarkard@ethz.chPhasing-out carbon-intensive technologies and business models is a key element for deep decarbonization. Coal is a prime candidate for phase-out and we cannot waste any time. However, every industry decline creates conflicts. Overcoming these conflicts is the key to success.
Why we need responsive policies to achieve a rapid energy transition
On 31.05.2020 by Alejandro Nunez-JimenezBecause we are bad at predicting, slow at changing policies, and the stakes are too high. Responsive policies can help to overcome these limitations.
Climate and energy policy after COVID-19
On 18.05.2020 by Massimo FilippiniThe health emergency caused by COVID-19 has taught us that we are all vulnerable, albeit unequally (geographically, generationally, socio-economically and psycho-socially) to global crises, that the political world and civil society can quickly adapt to a common threat, both with drastic and timely regulations and with recommendations. We have learned that prevention and cooperation at the international level, between civil society and the political world, are essential to limit the damage. These lessons should make us understand that the political agenda on climate change needs also to be strengthened, not weakened.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Pathways to achieve Net-Zero Carbon Shipping
On 05.05.2020 by Christina NakhleThe time has come to implement the “pollutant pays” principle, set clear emission reduction targets and competitive incentives to enable the decarbonization of the “backbone of our economy”.
The long way ahead for the energy transition
On 22.04.2020 by Viktoras KulionisConcerns about the consequences of excessive global warming have increased interest in the energy transition. General belief is that the energy transition has been the dominant factor of the increased use of renewable energy. However, only few countries/regions show evidence of an actual energy transition. At the global level, its relevance is short of non-existent when you do the math.
Electrifying Rwanda: Why mini-grid companies have lost the game
On 07.04.2020 by Churchill Omondi AgutuRwanda’s goal to reach 100% electrification by 2024 relies heavily on off-grid electricity systems, like solar home systems and mini-grids. Based on my recent field research, this will be a tall order for burgeoning solar home system and, especially, mini-grid companies, who face a number of challenges to scale.
COVID-19 stimulus packages represent a critical juncture for climate policy
On 02.04.2020 by Nicolas SchmidGovernments around the world have implemented strong, science-based measures against the spread of COVID-19, ranging from border closures to the lockdown of approximately one-third of the world population. As a result, economic activity of most sectors and countries abruptly and strongly decreased. To prevent a global economic and social crisis, governments around the world have proposed massive stimulus programs.
Switzerland’s strategy will not deliver the solar power it needs. Here’s why. / Die Strategie des Bundesrats wird die benötige Solarenergie nicht liefern. Die Gründe warum.
On 17.02.2020 by Léonore HälgThe Swiss federal council proposes to support large-scale solar PV with competitive auctions for one-off investment grants. This will not scale up solar PV investment to the extent necessary to reach the Swiss climate and energy targets. I offer suggestions on how to improve the proposal.
Photovoltaics on Buildings – Ugly and Expensive or an Opportunity for Creative Design?
On 01.02.2020 by Linus WalkerThe integration of solar energy technologies in buildings has been available for several decades. However, many buildings are still built without any PV or solar thermal collectors, which in my opinion is an intolerable situation.
How energy efficient is your daily life?
On 20.01.2020 by Valentina Stampi-BombelliHave you ever stopped to think about the power consumption of the activities of your daily life? Do you think you can guess the power consumption of each device? Try sorting the power consumption of each device that runs on electricity, and then have fun scrolling on the images of each room below to find out if you guessed correctly!
Concrete – the building material of a 1.5°C world?
On 22.12.2019 by Johannes TiefenthalerBridges, tunnels, buildings – concrete plays a key role in our daily life. How is it manufactured? Can it be recycled? What is its climate impact? Read on and you’ll find out how we can decarbonize concrete.
Can randomized field experiments help close the energy efficiency gap? / Können randomisierte Feldstudien helfen, die Energieeffizienzlücke zu schliessen?
On 05.12.2019 by Nina BoogenSome time ago economists appropriated a method from medical research called randomized controlled trials, which has become the “golden standard” to detect causal effects of a policy intervention. Could they also assist in closing the energy efficiency gap? In this blog article, I argue why they could, but also why they are not a universal remedy.
Retrofitting for good: insights from the Swiss Household Energy Demand Survey
On 25.11.2019 by Anna StünziFindings from the Swiss Household and Energy Demand Survey shed new light on the willingness to live in a more energy-efficient building. Most surprisingly: more than 50% of the participating tenants would accept a higher rent increase than the expected savings from their energy bills after the renovation.
Understanding the Scale of Back-up Generation in the Developing World
On 06.11.2019 by Yael BorofskyThanks to unreliable electricity grids, fossil-fuel powered generators in low- and middle-income countries constitute as much generation capacity as up to 1,000 coal-fired plants, finds a new report from the IFC and the Schatz Energy Research Center. That sounds bad for the climate and public health, but generators also help people stay out of poverty…
Natural gas: a bridge fuel to nowhere
On 20.10.2019 by Ivalin PetkovWhy we have already ‘crossed the bridge’, necessitating a phase-out and heavy divestment from natural gas. The solutions are reliable, cost-competitive, and ready – decarbonized renewable energy sources with storage.
Cheap solar alone would not prevent a renewable energy gap
On 06.10.2019 by Alejandro Nunez-JimenezThe energy-efficiency gap describes how firms and individuals underinvest in profitable energy-saving technologies.
Energy: It’s everywhere, yet we don’t talk about it
On 24.09.2019 by Florian Manuel EgliWelcome! You have found the Energy Blog @ ETH, a newly founded initiative to foster a debate around energy research and policy. We know there is fascinating work coming out of ETH Zurich, but often the work is very specific and its implications for society, policymakers, and individuals do not easily get across. Given the unprecedented challenges to transform our energy system, academic ivory towers do not work. We are here to break them up and mix science with policy and society.
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