In order to meet targets set out in the Paris agreement, we need to make a global transition to low carbon energy systems. Many countries are facing the same challenges: capping or reducing energy demand, while decarbonizing their energy systems.

European countries including Switzerland are phasing out nuclear energy, which will eliminate a significant source of low carbon electricity and result in a power capacity deficit. How can this energy gap be filled?

Models suggest that the only viable possibilities to fill the gap in Switzerland are to expand electricity production through natural gas, import electricity from neighbouring countries or shift the future overproduction of solar energy from the summer to the winter season through storage – a solution that requires additional research and cost-reductions. The first two solutions are sub-optimal as they decrease Swiss energy security. The first also drives up national greenhouse gas emissions making it challenging for Switzerland to meet its climate targets.

The following are some of the questions that will be addressed during this event:

• What will be the scale of the electricity gap after the nuclear power plants are phased out? Electricity consumption is expected to grow, but it is uncertain by how much.
• To what extent can renewables cover the future electricity demand in Switzerland?
• Will the transition require investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure? If yes, who will pay?
• How can utilities balance their needs to provide energy to the public, make profit, maintain positive public perception, and reduce their CO2 outputs?
• What role do / can government bodies, utilities, NGOs and corporations play in the energy transition?

Join GreenBuzz Zurich to participate in the discussion about the energy transition in Switzerland and abroad.

Who is it for?

Researchers working on energy topics, public sector professionals working on energy policy and strategy implementation, professionals working at utilities, corporate professionals from different sectors who are working on topics related to energy supply and demand. Also for professionals who are not working on energy topics but who could contribute new perspectives to the topic.

Programme

18:00 – 18:30 Registration

18:30 – 18:45 Welcome by GreenBuzz and moderator Christina Nakhle 

18:45 – 18:55 Input by  Dr. Martin Rüdisüli from EMPA – Published the newest study on the future of the Swiss electricity system

18:55 – 19:05 Input by Franziska Steidle-Sailer on the potential of hydrogen 

19:05 – 19:15 Input by Matthias Gysler from BFE – Chief economist and head of market regulation

19:15 – 19:25 Input by Christian Zeyer Geschäftsführer at Swisscleantech 

19:25 – 19:35 Wrap up

19:35 – 21:30 Apero / Buzzing

Discounts and Free tickets

Employees of our corporate partners can gain free tickets for this event. Please check here if your employer is a member of GreenBuzz and use your corporate discount code to register.

Our Event Sponsor

Many thanks to Smartenergy Invest AG, for making this event possible.