The Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK) sent a letter to the Swiss government this week urging it to set up a hydrogen infrastructure in the country inspired by the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative.
This content was published on
2 minutes
NZZ am Sonntag/Keystone-SDA/gw
If Switzerland is to meet its net-zero carbon emissions targets, it must sort out how to obtain sufficient green hydrogen, a gas that can be produced from renewable energies, the NZZ am SonntagreportsExternal link. Hydrogen is expected to replace the use of fossil fuels by industry and for the supply of electricity.
According to the cantons, the Swiss government needs to act now. Since the country’s needs cannot be met by domestic production alone, they say Switzerland must gain access to the European grid and market. They suggest in their letter, seen by news agency Keystone-SDA, that the country convert its existing transit pipeline to accommodate hydrogen.
They also warn that Switzerland is being left behind by other European countries. The Hydrogen Backbone project foresees a hydrogen network crossing Italy, Austria and Germany – but not Switzerland.
“”It could certainly be cheaper and simpler to run a transit line through Switzerland rather than Austria,” the cantonal directors write. But since Switzerland has not yet drafted its objectives for its hydrogen supply or planned for the role of a transit infrastructure in this context, the country is missing out on opportunities. The EU is quickly setting the pace for hydrogen supply on the continent, the cantons point out.
The energy directors are calling for the European hydrogen grid and market to be included in exploratory talks between Bern and Brussels on an electricity agreement – or at the very least, for a joint declaration of intent stipulating the rapid opening of negotiations on Switzerland’s integration into the European hydrogen market.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss researchers develop technology to make hydrogen from air
This content was published on
The scientists developed a solar-powered device capable of extracting water from the air and converting it into hydrogen.
This content was published on
Solar panels and wind turbines are crucial in Switzerland's transition to greener energy – and so is artificial intelligence.
Renewables share of electricity inches up in Switzerland
This content was published on
Some 80% of all electricity flowing from Swiss sockets originated from renewable energy sources last year, compared to 76% in 2020.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.