Switzerland is on the tip of the next phase of its energy transition. The focus is shifting from the expansion of renewable energy to its efficient integration into the energy system. The APPRAISE research project, in which INFRAS is participating, is developing a policy roadmap on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy to ensure that the integration of renewable energy is cost-effective and efficient.
Switzerland's energy transition is entering a new phase. While the focus has been on the expansion of renewable energies, the emphasis is now shifting to their efficient integration into the energy system. As decentralized and fluctuating energy sources become more widespread, new demands are being placed on grids, markets and regulation.
This is where the APPRAISE project comes in: as part of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy's research program "Energy - Economy - Society", it lays the foundation for the further development of energy policy. The project is led by the Energy Networks Research Center (FEN) at ETH Zurich, with INFRAS and Swiss Economics as project partners.
Regulatory gaps as system complexity grows
Existing market and regulatory mechanisms have provided limited incentives for renewables to operate in a way that supports the grid and the energy system. There is a gap between technical system requirements and current energy policies. APPRAISE addresses this challenge by comparing technical grid and system requirements with the behavior of energy system stakeholders and existing regulations. The goal is to identify key gaps in the system integration of renewable energy.
An evidence-based roadmap for the second phase of energy system transformation
The centerpiece of the project is the development of a policy roadmap for Swiss energy policy. Based on energy system modeling, this roadmap will identify which regulatory adjustments are needed and when they should come into effect. An innovative approach is the "trigger-based" methodology: the policy roadmap identifies the timing for the introduction of policy measures on the basis of technical system indicators. The aim is to facilitate the adaptive, secure and cost-effective integration of renewables.
Bridging the gap between systems analysis and policymaking
INFRAS plays a central role in the project by translating technical findings into actionable policy. This involves analyzing existing energy policy instruments, investigating the investment and decision-making processes of key players in the energy system, and - in collaboration with relevant stakeholders - synthesizing the findings into a coherent policy roadmap. We are developing the roadmap in collaboration with stakeholders such as AWEL, CKW, Groupe E, Axpo, BKW, economiesuisse, swisscleantech, swisssolar and the Swiss Energy Foundation.
Further information:
Further articles on similar topics:
- Climate Change and Energy Transition: Risks and Resilience Measures for the Energy System
- Graubünden’s Overall Energy Strategy: From the Preliminary Study to the Policy Framework
- Opportunities for cross-border cooperation in the energy system of Alpine regions
- Renewables and Energy Efficiency: Activities and Trends amongst Energy Supply Companies
Project team
