The Role of Sustainable Chemical Transport Fuels in Switzerland from a European and Global Perspective
Switzerland has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. To reach this goal, a broad portfolio of measures will be required, including the use of synthetic low‑carbon fuels. Such fuels—ranging from hydrogen to gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons—can be produced from electricity (enabling indirect electrification of energy services) or from biomass and solar energy. However, the potentials of both biomass and renewable electricity generation are limited within Switzerland. As a result, the large quantities of sustainable fuels required for a net‑zero energy system will need to be partially imported.
This research project aims to address the following questions:
- In which economic sectors in Switzerland (and the EU), and for which applications, will sustainable chemical fuels be needed due to limited direct electrification options?
- Which among the wide range of chemical fuels can be considered sustainable when evaluated against environmental, economic, and social criteria?
- What are the potential environmental, economic, and social co‑benefits and trade‑offs associated with GHG emissions reduction through these fuels?
- What are the most suitable production technologies, production locations, and optimal supply chains for Switzerland considering these criteria?
- To what extent will Switzerland require such fuels to meet its net-zero GHG emissions target by 2050?
To answer these questions, environmental, economic, and social life cycle assessments (LCA) were conducted. In addition, scenario analysis using energy system modeling was performed to evaluate the impacts of varying boundary conditions, such as fuel and energy carrier price developments, Swiss and international energy policies, and the role of CO₂ removal options in offsetting residual emissions.
This research was carried out through close collaboration between the Technology Assessment and Energy Economics groups at LEA, with active involvement from key Swiss stakeholders across the federal administration, industry, and NGOs.