Focus on Swiss energy and environmental initiatives and policies.
The CleantechAlps association has launched a survey of Swiss companies to better understand their challenges in terms of sustainability and decarbonization. Interview with its secretary-general, Eric Plan.
"Investing in renewable energy proves to be more profitable than maintaining the current system of subsidies for fossil fuels. According to the UN, a global reduction in pollution could save up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030," explains Jean-Yves Pidoux.
Interview with Alexander Puhrer, head of nuclear production at Alpiq.
"Nuclear power is a subject that divides, imbued with emotions and political debate. In the face of the challenges of the energy transition and our growing electricity needs, can we afford to exclude this technology permanently?" asks Michael Frank, director of AES.
Because of its high efficiency and sustainability, hydrogen could play an important role in the energy transition. Aside from its industrial production, it exists naturally in the form of deposits that are still largely untapped. Explainer.
<p>Interview with Laurent Ducrest, Head of Thermal Production and Environment at Groupe E.</p>
Interview with Stefan Klute, head of nuclear at BKW.
A recent study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has raised doubts about the feasibility of CO₂ storage in Switzerland. If in situ mineralization proves impossible, the solution lies in deeper reservoirs, within saline aquifers.
Instead of considering cuts to research funding and support for start-ups, the Confederation should invest more and accelerate the country's transition to renewable energies.
"For hydrogen to reach competitive cost levels, support policies similar to those that have benefited solar energy are needed," says Jean-Luc Favre, president of the Nomads Foundation.
As Switzerland's energy challenges mount, many projects are met with opposition. "This situation should prompt us to rethink the balance between energy development and the preservation of the territory," says Michael Frank, director of the AES.
At its meeting on 12 February 2025, the Federal Council finally approved its proposed amendment to the method of calculating the WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital, or "coût moyen pondéré du capital" in French).