Forum: Best Practice Session

Innovation in the electricity industry – what are the success factors?

Three prime examples will demonstrate how the transformation of the Swiss energy system works in practice. Together, we analyse the relevant factors for successful implementation and discuss the insights gained for the future.

EMPA will analyse and model the entire energy and CO2 flows of the Graubünden Rhine Valley on behalf of the Canton of Graubünden. Based on this analysis, the design of the future energy system will be discussed together with local businesses, as will the implementation of net zero by 2050. In addition to the residential and commercial zones, this broad-based project involves the entire industrial sector and is unique in its kind. The initial results will be presented to the specialist audience for the first time at Powertage 2024.

A sustainable electricity supply system needs to be particularly flexible due to the increased proportion of new renewable energy sources. Using specific project examples, Gerhard Salge, CTO of Hitachi Energy, will show how innovative, digital power grid technology can contribute to a sustainable power supply system – including energy storage, the future-proof power grid and actively managed power consumption.

The plans for alpine solar systems have been met with a mixed response: For some, a sustainable energy supply for Switzerland is inconceivable without them, while for others, they are a blight on nature. With the alpine solar project Gondosolar, Alpiq has succeeded in balancing the most diverse interests and is closer to implementation than almost any other project in Switzerland: The planning application has been submitted and a test facility is in place. It will be interesting to hear the insights shared.
 
The event will be hosted by Jonas Projer.


Speakers (4)

Robin Mutschler

Robin Mutschler

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA) | Scientist at the Urban Energy Lab

Gerhard Salge

Gerhard Salge

Hitachi Energy Ltd. | Chief Technology Officer

Frédéric Zufferey

Frédéric Zufferey

Alpiq AG, Program Manager Alpine PV

Jonas Projer

Jonas Projer

Moderator