The interdivisional PSI Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis conducts analytical research on diverse energy technologies and systems.
It unites specific analytical research concerning diverse energy technologies and systems, including nuclear, fossil and (modern) renewables. In cooperation with external partners (e.g. the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) and many others), LEA carries out energy systems analyses relevant for energy policy issues as well as safety analysis based on Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) and focused on Human Reliability Assessment (HRA). LEA is led by Prof. Dr. Russell McKenna and monitored by a Steering Committee consisting of Prof. Dr. Andreas Pautz (NES Div. Head) and Prof. Thomas J. Schmidt (ENE Div. Head). In April 2017, Stefan Hirschberg retired after serving as the Head of the laboratory since its establishment in 2006. He is now a Senior Level Advisor, contributing to the leadership and continuity of selected activities. Since February 2022, LEA is strongly linked to the Chair of Energy Systems Analysis at the D-MAVT Department of ETHZ.
The LEA areas of activities fall into three main areas:
Lab News & Scientific Highlights
Netto-Null: Die Rohstoffe mitrechnen
Ein neues Rechenmodell des PSI veranschaulicht die komplexen Wechselwirkungen zwischen Technologie, dem Bedarf an kritischen Rohstoffen und der Umweltbelastung auf dem Weg zur Klimaneutralität.
Decarbonizing Building Construction
The buildings we live and work in are changing – becoming smarter, more efficient, and powered by cleaner energy. But while we’ve made strides in reducing operational emissions, there’s a hidden carbon footprint that remains largely overlooked: the emissions locked into the materials themselves.
«Die grösste Herausforderung ist die fehlende Akzeptanz für Windkraftanlagen»
Russell McKenna, Experte für Energiesystemanalysen, erzählt im Interview mit den ETH-News, wo er den grössten Handlungsbedarf sieht, um die Windenergie weiterzuentwickeln.
Publications
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Brazzola N, Meskaldji A, Patt A, Tröndle T, Moretti C
The role of direct air capture in achieving climate-neutral aviation
Nature Communications. 2025; 16: 588 (12 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55482-6
DORA PSI -
Hahn Menacho AJ, Sacchi R, Bauer C, Moretti C, Panos E, McKenna R, et al.
The global environmental footprint of Switzerland’s net-zero energy system uncovers impacts abroad
Communications Earth & Environment. 2025; 6(1): 266 (14 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02220-5
DORA PSI -
Hahn Menacho AJ, Sacchi R, Bauer C, Panos E, McKenna R, Burgherr P
The material-energy nexus in net-zero transition scenarios: exploring environmental trade-offs and uncertainties
Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2025; 218: 108251 (12 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108251
DORA PSI