Energy and Environment Research Division
Research at PSI comprises all aspects of human energy use, with the ultimate goal of promoting development towards a sustainable energy supply system. Technologies are being advanced for the utilization of renewable energy sources, low-loss energy storage, efficient conversion, and low emission energy use. Experimental and model-based assessment of these emissions forms the basis of a comprehensive assessment of economic, environmental and social consequences, for both present and future energy supply systems.
Division Head: Prof. Dr. Thomas Justus Schmidt
Energy Briefing Event 2023
The Energy and Environment Division of the Paul Scherrer Institut PSI successfully hosted their second Energy Briefing Event at the Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern. The event focused on the potentials and challenges associated with the production, regulation, and utilization of synthetic fuels. Representatives from WWF, Avenergy, PSI, and BAZL shared their expertise and insights on this topic.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to Ulrich Koss (Metafuels), Theo Rindlisbacher (BAZL), Christian Bach (Empa), Thomas J. Schmidt (PSI), Thomas Häusler (WWF Switzerland), Daniel Hofer (Avenergy Suisse), and our moderator Stephan Lendi for their invaluable contributions and insightful perspectives.
Energy Briefing Event 2022
On June 28th, 2022, the Energy Divisions (ENE and NES) at PSI hosted their first Energy Briefing Event at the Kursaal in Bern. Knowledgeable voices from industry, research and government shared insights in a dialogue on the feasibility of the Net Zero goal and what next steps are required to achieve this collectively.
A big thank you to Daniela Decurtins (GazEnergy), Particia Sandmeier (Hitachi Energy), Martin Naef (ABB), Pascal Previdoli (BFE), Thomas Schmidt (PSI), Christian Verhoeven (GE), Peter Richner (Empa), Andreas Pautz (PSI) and our Moderator Stephan Lendi for their valuable contributions and insights!
Highlights & News
Revolutionizing Renewable Processes: Ambizione Grant Winner Emanuele Moioli
Emanuele Moioli is one of the recipients of the prestigious Ambizione Grant awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) on a yearly basis. With the great news of his award having arrived in August 2022, Moioli embarks on the journey of his groundbreaking project titled “Moving catalyst vs. Multi-catalyst: determination of the best reactor for the processing of unconventional feedstock,” set to commence this August 2023.
L’avion climatiquement neutre: est-ce possible?
Pour atteindre cet objectif, il faudra avant tout disposer de carburants durables et réduire le trafic aérien.
La Suisse en route vers le zéro net
Les institutions du Domaine des EPF mettent en commun leur expertise pour atteindre l’objectif zéro net.
La cause de l’extrême pollution atmosphérique nocturne à New Dehli a été élucidée
Des chercheurs du PSI ont découvert ce qui cause la forte pollution atmosphérique nocturne à New Dehli.
Faire voler des avions de manière durable
Voler sans empreinte CO2 – le PSI et l'entreprise Metafuels AG développent une nouvelle technologie pour la production de carburant aviation durable.
Andrea Baccarini – Winner of the Prix de Quervain
Andrea Baccarini, former PhD at the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry at PSI won the prestigious Prix de Quervain.
"The skills I had acquired during my PhD were 1 to 1 transferrable in my role as a Development Scientist"
Susan Taylor completed her PhD at the Laboratory for Electrochemistry at the Paul Scherrer Institute in 2017. Today she works as a Senior Analyst at S&P Global and reflects with us on her PhD years at PSI.
SynFuel Initiative Meeting
On November 7th, the SynFuel Initiative project meeting between PSI and Empa scientists took place. This was the first time the scientists involved in the collaboration met in person as this was not possible before due to the pandemic. The scientists presented their work on the sub-projects of the SynFuel Initiative to each other and had an exchange. The day ended with a tour of the SLS and GanyMeth.
How mixing of atmospheric aerosols affects the environment
Peering inside atmospheric particles provides clues to effects on climate and health, finds Paul Scherrer Institute and University of British Columbia study.