The interdivisional PSI Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis conducts analytical research on diverse energy technologies and systems.
LEA is a cross-center laboratory bridging the Centers for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences (NES) and Energy and Environment (CEE). It unites specific analytical research on diverse energy technologies and systems, including nuclear, fossil and (modern) renewables. Taking an holistic and interdisciplinary approach, LEA develops models, analysis and tools to support decision makers and researchers to address complex and systemic challenges in the broad field of energy. LEA includes the groups Technology Assessment, Energy Economics, Risk and Human Reliability, and the Chair of Energy Systems Analysis at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) of ETH Zurich. The link between LEA and D-MAVT was established in 2022 by the appointment of the LEA Head, Prof. Dr. Russell McKenna.
The LEA areas of activities fall into three main areas:
Lab News & Scientific Highlights
A comprehensive energy system model for Switzerland
Energy systems face complicated, long-term challenges with a high degree of uncertainty. To explore these challenges and support decision-making, the STEM energy systems model from the Energy Economics Group at PSI has become a key tool.
Electric vehicles could catch on in Africa sooner than expected
Electric vehicles could become economically competitive in many African countries before 2040.
Energy systems modelling at LEA
The model that has been behind Switzerland’s most complete analyses of the energy transition is built and run by the Energy Economics Group at PSI’s Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis.
Publications
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Bantje D, Sacchi R, Arendt R, Bauer C, Luderer G
Prospective analysis of external environmental costs of energy provision
Environmental Research Communications. 2025; 7(9): 091015 (17 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ae055a
DORA PSI -
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 -
Bruhn S, Sacchi R, Horup L, Zindel A, Birkved M
Historical and future LCA insights on tiny houses vs conventional housing typologies in Denmark
Energy and Buildings. 2025; 346: 116172 (12 pp.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.116172
DORA PSI