Security of electricity supply: Can the industry sector fix the Swiss winter deficit?
On 28.11.2022 by Marius Schwarz, Lukas FedererSecurity of electricity supply and electricity costs have become major business concerns for the Swiss industry sector. On the current trajectory towards a clean energy system, situations in winter with reduced availability of electricity followed by soaring prices may occur more regularly. With Switzerland establishing a strategic reserve to overcome electricity shortage situations, we argue in this blog post that demand-side measures – especially load reductions by industry – should be part of such a reserve, even if the contribution may be small. We present our findings from quantitative assessments and insights from expert interviews.
Tackling the energy crisis in Europe is a common effort
On 23.11.2022 by Jacob MannhardtThe secret to getting through the energy crisis is that everyone in Europe does their part. And a bit of luck. In this blogpost, we highlight some preliminary results from our investigation of the gas shortage in Europe – because winter is here but Russian gas is not. We model the optimal response to the gas crisis to outline a potential strategy for European countries to get through this daunting situation.
Climate protection benefits the economy
On 07.11.2022 by Anthony PattWhile the economic impacts of climate policy are generally perceived as costs, Anthony Patt proposes the opposite perspective. For Switzerland, converting the energy system and reaching the net-zero target may net benefit the economy, he finds.
Did you know that access to electricity is not recognized as a universal human right?
On 01.11.2022 by Vanja DjinlevElectricity consumption is closely and positively related with global economic and human development across different geographical, social, and cultural contexts. As a Sustainable Development Goal (Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy) and as an integral part of the water-energy-food nexus, access to electricity is vital to our individual and collective security and well-being. Despite the importance, access to electricity is not explicitly recognized as a universal human right. This blog article outlines the way to make access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity a universal human right, and explores the practical implications of the action.