SWEET EDGE at the ElCom-Forum 2025

 

More than 200 participants from science, industry, and policy gathered at the ElCom-Forum 2025 in Pratteln to discuss one of the most consequential topics for Switzerland’s energy future: the potential electricity agreement between Switzerland and the European Union. Among the invited experts was Prof. Evelina Trutnevyte, Coordinator of SWEET EDGE and Professor at the University of Geneva, who presented new insights on European electricity market integration and Switzerland’s renewable-energy pathways.

 

Why Market Integration Matters — and What It Means for Switzerland

In her keynote presentation “Integration des europäischen Strommarktes”, Prof. Trutnevyte outlined how Europe is rapidly moving toward a high share of renewable electricity, with solar PV and onshore wind expected to expand substantially across major EU countries. She highlighted that market integration is essential for ensuring a cost-efficient, resilient electricity system as Europe decarbonizes.

A key message from the presentation: Countries that remain isolated face significantly higher system costs, especially in a future dominated by variable renewable energy.
This is supported by comparative model results showing that national or regional isolation can raise costs by up to 69% relative to a fully integrated continental system.

For Switzerland, these findings are directly relevant. As Prof. Trutnevyte showed, limited access to European markets increases system costs, raises electricity prices, reduces the efficient use of hydropower and storage, and leads to higher net imports—particularly in summer when export possibilities are constrained.

 

How SWEET EDGE Research Informs the Debate

The ElCom-Forum offered an ideal platform to connect public authorities, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Prof. Trutnevyte presented the work of the SWEET EDGE Renewable Energy Outlooks, which model different trajectories for Switzerland’s future electricity system:

- Renewable Energy Outlook I (2024):
Analysed pathways to reach 17–35 TWh of new renewable generation by 2035.

- Renewable Energy Outlook II (2025):
Explored scenarios to reach 45 TWh in 2050 and a 5 TWh winter import target, with and without constraints on European market integration.

- Renewable Energy Outlook III (2026, ongoing):
Investigates high-renewable systems in Switzerland within the broader European context, including nuclear and decentralised generation dynamics.

Across these studies, one conclusion is consistent: Switzerland benefits economically and operationally from strong integration with the European electricity market.

 

Navigating Technical and Social Challenges

Beyond system modelling, Prof. Trutnevyte emphasised that public acceptance remains a major bottleneck, particularly regarding electricity imports. Imports rank lowest among preferred options in Swiss public opinion surveys.

Here, SWEET EDGE’s interdisciplinary approach becomes crucial. Research on citizen panels demonstrates that providing factual, transparent information significantly increases the public’s ability to understand trade-offs and navigate energy choices.

 

A High-Level Dialogue for Switzerland’s Energy Future

Alongside Prof. Trutnevyte, the Forum featured contributions from leading figures including: Werner Luginbühl; Zbyněk Boldiš (President, ENTSO-E); Yves Zumwald (CEO, Swissgrid); Dr. Tobias Bringmann (VKU Baden-Württemberg); Tobias Andrist (CEO, EBL); and Urs Meister. Their perspectives enriched the discussion on security of supply, grid planning, and Switzerland’s role in the continental energy landscape.

 

Looking Ahead

SWEET EDGE is proud to contribute scientific evidence to this crucial national conversation. Prof. Trutnevyte’s participation underscores our consortium’s commitment to supporting decision-makers with robust, model-based insights into Switzerland’s renewable future.

For more information on the ElCom-Forum and ElCom’s updated position on the Switzerland–EU electricity agreement, visit the official communication linked by the organisers.