Energy and Climate
The energy research performed at PSI focuses on processes that can be used in sustainable and safer technologies, ideally with minimal CO2 emissions. The main emphasis is on renewable energy sources. The ESI (Energy System Integration) platform enables research and industry to test solutions for integrating renewables into the existing energy supply. Another focus in this area is the safer use of nuclear energy. These activities are supplemented by analyses giving a comprehensive assessment of energy systems. PSI scientists in the Energy and Environment division study the chemical processes that take place in the atmosphere.
Find out more at: Overview Energy and Climate
How trees influence cloud formation
Researchers at PSI have taken a closer look at a previously disregarded factor in the formation of clouds. This could improve the accuracy of climate forecasting.
How can cobalt be reduced in EV batteries?
The electrification of transport is increasing. This means, more batteries are needed. However, some of these batteries contain an extremely problematic raw material: cobalt. PSI is researching alternatives.
Climate-neutral air travel: Is it possible?
Above all, meeting this goal will require sustainable fuels and a reduction in air traffic.
4000 scenarios for a climate turnaround
Researchers at PSI and Columbia University are calculating in detail how climate change can be slowed down.
How can renewable electricity be used all year round?
The federal government’s Energy Strategy 2050 envisages a substantial expansion of photovoltaic systems. But where will the electricity come from when the sun isn’t shining? The solution could be hydrogen.
Switzerland’s path to the net-zero target
The ETH institutions are pooling their expertise in pursuit of the net-zero target.
Wood: A wild card for the energy transition
The role of the natural resource for security of supply in Switzerland
Methane as an energy store
Researchers at PSI and the start-up AlphaSYNT are working together on a solution for efficiently storing energy.
Extreme nighttime pollution in New Delhi air explained
PSI researchers find the cause of high nighttime air pollution in New Delhi
How can we secure our gas supply?
Switzerland depends entirely on foreign gas imports. How can we escape from this dependence and guarantee our gas supply? Synthetic methane might be a solution.
A greener alternative for aviation fuel
Air travel with no carbon footprint – PSI and the Metafuels AG develop a new technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel.
The best of both worlds
Annalisa Manera works as a nuclear researcher at PSI and as a professor at ETH Zurich. A portrait.
Energy efficiency in times of potential power shortages
How PSI is continuously improving the energy efficiency of its own infrastructure and large research facilities
Preparing for energy shortages and blackouts
Peter Burgherr is a risk researcher at PSI. In this interview he talks about possible power shortages in the coming winter and how to prepare for them.
Energy security
How can Switzerland achieve the energy transition? PSI researchers provide answers with a unique computer model.
“More objectivity would be helpful”
The current energy debate could do with more facts and less gut feeling – argue Thomas J. Schmidt, renewables expert, and Andreas Pautz, nuclear energy specialist.
Collecting ice cores before it's too late
PSI researcher Theo Jenk talks about the challenges of ice core research during the climate change crisis.
Many paths lead to the energy future
How can Switzerland achieve the energy transition? PSI researchers provide answers with a unique computer model.
“A race against time”
At a conference the international ice core science community discusses the latest developments in their field.
The Jungfraujoch aerosol detectives
Aside from its stunning landscape, the Jungfraujoch also provides an ideal location to research the impact of aerosols on our climate.
