Extended Energy Commission
The Energy Commission of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences brings together experts from diverse scientific disciplines (see below). Its mission is to support the transformation of Switzerland’s energy system through impartial, evidence-based, and interdisciplinary knowledge. By doing so, it fosters dialogue between science, politics, and society.
News
Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+
Press release
Switzerland should take an active approach to critical materials for the energy transition
The worldwide expansion of renewable energies is rapidly boosting demand for many raw materials and rare earths used to manufacture solar panels, batteries and other electronic components. Many of these raw materials originate from only a few countries, leading to one-sided dependence. Even though Switzerland mainly imports components and finished products, this country is indirectly impacted by any supply bottlenecks or geopolitical restrictions, according to a new report written by researchers from the Energy Commission of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences. The proposed options for action range from technical innovations and the expansion of recycling to international agreements.
Publications
Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences
A systemic approach to the energy transition in Europe
A carbon-neutral future by 2050 is possible, but requires urgent action. The energy transition is more than a purely technical challenge. Making it a reality requires solving a huge systemic problem, coordinating countless individual voluntary investment decisions, consumption and behaviour across Europe. This transformation of the European energy system will affect every part of society, relies on huge investment during the transition and must be done in a socially equitable way. These are the conclusions of a new scientific report produced by the consortium Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA). On this basis and a series of evidence-based policy options, the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors (GCSA) of the European Commission presents key policy recommendations.
Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+
The role of critical materials for the energy transition: Challenges and opportunities
This report summarizes current concerns from experts on increasing risks in the international supply of critical materials for the energy transition, discusses potential implications, challenges and opportunities and makes recommendations for Switzerland.
Noailly et al. (2024)
The role of critical materials for the energy transition. Challenges and opportunities.
Swiss Academies Reports 19 (3)Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+
Swiss Energy System 2050: Pathways to Net Zero CO2 and Security of Supply
This report aims at assessing pathways and formulating recommendations for the transformation of the Swiss energy system necessary to achieve the net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target by 2050 (BFE 2017a) set by the Federal Council taking into account the Paris climate agreement. We examine the role and impact of the national energy system, define the main future challenges and formulate a holistic strategy to address them.
Basic report
Boulouchos K, Neu U et al. (2022)
Swiss Energy System 2050: Pathways to Net Zero CO2 and Security of Supply. Basic report. Swiss Academies Reports 17 (3)
DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6967084
Synopsis (in German)
Boulouchos K, Neu U et al. (2022)
Schweizer Energiesystem 2050: Wege zu netto null CO2 und Versorgungssicherheit. Kurzfassung. Swiss Academies Reports 17 (3)
Our Mission
The Energy Commission provides scientifically grounded insights into current energy issues and serves as an independent, evidence-based source of information for decision-makers. It analyzes energy-related questions within a broad context of technological, ecological, economic, social, regulatory, and political factors.
By applying an interdisciplinary approach, the Commission helps to overcome siloed thinking and promotes comprehensive, practice-oriented recommendations. Its international network enables the integration of global knowledge into national debates and the adoption of best practices.
Through its work, the Commission supports an effective, fair, and future-oriented transformation of the energy system — contributing to informed, sustainable decision-making that strengthens social cohesion.
Members
Presidency
PD Dr. Jochen Markard, Co-President a.i., ETH Zürich / ZHAW Contact
Prof. Regina Betz, Co-President a.i., ZHAW Contact
Regular members
Prof. Oliver Kröcher, Paul-Scherrer-Institut Contact
Philippe Müller, Swiss Federal Office of Energy Contact
Prof. Joëlle Noailly, Geneva Graduate Institute Contact
Prof. Mario Paolone, EPF Lausanne Contact
Prof. Jean-Louis Scartezzini, EPF Lausanne Contact
Prof. Isabelle Stadelmann-Steffen, Universität Bern Contact
Prof. Evelina Trutnevyte, Université de Genève Contact
Prof. Hannes Weigt, Universität Basel Contact
Office
Swiss Energy System 2050
Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences a+
Swiss Energy System 2050: Pathways to Net Zero CO2 and Security of Supply
This report aims at assessing pathways and formulating recommendations for the transformation of the Swiss energy system necessary to achieve the net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission target by 2050 (BFE 2017a) set by the Federal Council taking into account the Paris climate agreement. We examine the role and impact of the national energy system, define the main future challenges and formulate a holistic strategy to address them.
Basic report
Boulouchos K, Neu U et al. (2022)
Swiss Energy System 2050: Pathways to Net Zero CO2 and Security of Supply. Basic report. Swiss Academies Reports 17 (3)
DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6967084
Synopsis (in German)
Boulouchos K, Neu U et al. (2022)
Schweizer Energiesystem 2050: Wege zu netto null CO2 und Versorgungssicherheit. Kurzfassung. Swiss Academies Reports 17 (3)