We are living in a period of transformation – not only technologically, but also ecologically and socially. The energy sector is one of the central arenas in which these changes are taking place. But how can we ensure that this transformation is sustainable and future-proof? Discussions and presentations by guests from among the leading minds in the energy sector at our Grid Forum 2024 showed that this is only possible by working together and adopting innovative approaches.

The common path to the future

Yves Zumwald, CEO at Swissgrid, summed up the situation perfectly in his introductory speech: «We are all in the same boat – whether we are producing or distributing electricity at different levels.» The challenges facing the energy sector cannot be considered in isolation. Producers, grid operators and end consumers all operate in a complex system that can only function in harmony.

While energy production is becoming increasingly decentralised, as emphasised by Benoît Revaz, Director of the SFOE, in his keynote speech, grid operators are facing new challenges. «The decentralisation of energy production in Switzerland is no surprise, and adjustments are needed.» Decentralisation requires flexible solutions and the conversion and expansion of the infrastructure in order to meet the growing requirements.

The urgency of cooperation

The importance of cooperation across national borders became clear from the various presentations. Switzerland is not an island and cannot act in isolation when it comes to energy. EPFL Professor Emeritus Matthias Finger addressed aspects such as the EU’s climate targets. Although the targets set out in the Green Deal are challenging, they provide a clear direction. Finger explained that Switzerland has failed to capitalise on the unique position the Star of Laufenburg once gave it. As a result, we have become increasingly isolated, and security of supply has become a growing challenge.

Cybersecurity: all the players in the industry are affected

In a panel discussion, Konrad Zöschg, Head of Technology at Swissgrid, Marc Henauer from the National Cyber Security Centre and Remo Niffeler, Information Security Officer at CKW, agreed that cybersecurity is a joint task that concerns all the players in the industry.

The role of innovation and planning

While international cooperation is gaining in importance, the national level also remains vital. The challenges facing grid operators are increasing. The decentralisation of production requires not only an expansion of the grids, but also innovative approaches in terms of operation. Nell Reimann, Head of Market at Swissgrid, highlighted in the panel discussion that we need more data and higher-quality data and forecasts, especially given the growing proportion of renewable energies and the increase in electric vehicles.

Cooperation between TSOs and DSOs in the light of the transformation of the energy system is also a crucial point. Adrian Häsler, Head of Grid Infrastructure at Swissgrid, Dieter Reichelt, Head of the Distribution Division at Axpo and Hans-Peter Burgener, Head of Grid at FMV, took part in a panel discussion on this issue. Cooperation between transmission and distribution system operators is essential for long-term grid planning.

Looking ahead: shaping a sustainable future

The challenges facing the energy sector are complex and multi-layered. The combination of economic, ecological and technological crises requires us to rethink the way we produce and transport energy. In her keynote speech, Renewables Grid Initiative CEO Antonella Battaglini stressed the need for a fundamental change in the way we see energy transmission.

 
The Grid Forum 2024 ended with a panel discussion on the topic of «Sustainable grid construction» with Doris Barnert, Head of Corporate Services / CFO at Swissgrid, Matthias Mölter, Sustainability Management Officer at Amprion and Cornelia Wolf, Head of Sustainability Management at EKZ. The three participants discussed how we can make grid construction and expansion even more sustainable.

It is quite clear that time is of the essence. But with the right strategies, close cooperation and a clear vision for the future, together we can set the course for a sustainable and secure energy supply.