EN | FR | DE

News & Events

Latest updates from SWEET EDGE

Browse announcements, milestones, and upcoming activities. Filter by type, date, or search by keyword.

· Past event

Third Swiss Conference on Decentralized Energy: registration open

Join us on 11 November 2026 at Welle 7 in Bern for the Third Swiss Conference on Decentralized Energy, a full-day event dedicated to Switzerland’s decentralized energy transition and the questions shaping its next phase.

Read more →
· Past event

Accelerating Switzerland's Energy Transition: Challenges and Policy Levers

🇨🇭 How can Switzerland speed up the deployment of solar photovoltaic and wind energy? Join us on 9 September for the next SWEET EDGE webinar, dedicated to the public policies and levers that can accelerate Switzerland's energy transition. Bringing together…

Read more →
· News

SWEET EDGE Consortium Meets in St. Gallen to Shape the Final Phase of the Project

On 25 and 26 June 2026, researchers and partners from across the SWEET EDGE consortium gathered at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) for two days of scientific exchange, strategic discussions and collaboration. The meeting marked another important milestone…

Read more →
· News

From Research to Practice: SWEET EDGE at Powertage 2026

One conversation on stage. Hundreds more across the exhibition floor.

Read more →
· Past event

Webinar | Enabling Renewable Energy: The Role of Local Engagement and Social Dynamics

Public support for the energy transition is generally high in Switzerland. Yet many renewable energy projects still face delays, opposition, or implementation challenges at the local level. What makes the difference?

Read more →
· News

The EDGE Second Policy White Paper is Out!

A new policy white paper by the SWEET EDGE consortium shows how social acceptance shapes the success of renewable energy projects – and what can be done to improve it.

Read more →
· News

EDGE Webinar on EVs and Grid Planning

Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming a structural component of the electricity system. What once appeared as additional demand is now a central variable in grid planning, infrastructure investment, and system flexibility.

Read more →
· Past event

Using EVs to Support the Grid: From Charging Demand to Flexibility in Practice

Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming a structural factor in Switzerland’s power system. What was once a marginal load is turning into a planning variable that affects infrastructure investments, grid stability, and long-term system costs.

Read more →
· News

Agri-PV and Electric Tractors: Opportunities for the Swiss Energy Transition

On 10 February 2026, the SWEET EDGE consortium hosted a webinar exploring the role of agrivoltaics (Agri-PV) and agricultural electrification in Switzerland’s evolving energy system. The event brought together research and industry perspectives to discuss how…

Read more →
· Past event

Agri-PV and electric tractors: decision-ready insights for Switzerland’s energy transition

Agri-photovoltaics are widely seen as a promising approach to combine agricultural production with renewable electricity generation. At the same time, decision-makers face key questions:

Read more →
· News

EDGE at the Energy Research Talks Disentis 2026

Moderated by Dr. Ivo Schillig (AlpEnForCe), the event brought together research, biodiversity, municipal and implementation perspectives. Representing EDGE were Prof. Dr. Michael Lehning (EPFL/SLF) and Yael Frischholz (EPFL / Alpole Sion / SLF), contributing…

Read more →
· News

Key insights from the Swiss Electricity Congress

During the 2nd Day of the Swiss Electricity Congress, one central question dominated the discussions: how can Switzerland’s electricity system be developed in a reliable and affordable way under changing geopolitical, regulatory and climate conditions?

Read more →
· News

Socio-political and technical perspectives of Alpine PV Implementation

On 19 January 2026, the SWEET EDGE consortium hosted a webinar on Alpine photovoltaic systems (Alpine PV). The event brought together over 50 research and industry experts to explore how solar installations in high-mountain environments can contribute to…

Read more →
· Past event

Alpine PV systems: Socio-political and technical perspectives

In this webinar, you'll experience alpine PV systems from three perspectives simultaneously: technical, social, and grid-related. You'll learn how projects are realized under alpine conditions, which political and social factors determine acceptance, and what…

Read more →
· News

SWEET EDGE at the ElCom-Forum 2025

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…

Read more →
· News

11th EDGE newsletter is out !

📰 Media spotlight: The Renewable Energy Outlook II sparked nationwide coverage – from radio broadcasts to newspaper headlines.

Read more →
· News

Fifth In-person SWEET EDGE Consortium Meeting

On 4–5 September 2025, the SWEET EDGE consortium gathered at the ZHAW Grüental Campus in Wädenswil for two days of presentations, discussions, and collaboration. Researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders explored how EDGE’s interdisciplinary work is helping…

Read more →
· Past event

Consortium Meeting 2025

Our next consortium meeting will be held in-person in Wädenswil on 4-5 September 2025.

Read more →
· News

Renewable Energy Outlook II Sparks Nationwide Media Attention

We are pleased to see that the release of the Renewable Energy Outlook II has sparked significant national media interest, affirming the importance and relevance of the work led by the SWEET EDGE consortium.From in-depth newspaper analyses to primetime radio…

Read more →
· News

Highlights from the 2nd Swiss Conference

On 22 May 2025, more than 100 participants gathered in Bern for the 2nd Swiss Conference on Decentralised Energy, organised by the SWEET EDGE consortium. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, energy practitioners, and civil society…

Read more →
· Past event

Second Swiss Conference on Decentralized Energy

We are delighted to announce that the second Swiss conference on decentralized energy organized by SWEET EDGE will take place on Thursday, 22 May 2025, in Bern.

Read more →
· News

Watch our partners’ interviews: getting ready for the Energy Drinks!

Ahead of the last Energy Drinks event, held in Geneva on 8 and 15 January 2025, we took some time with our partners to capture their perspectives on the evolving energy landscape. Through a series of short interviews, they shared their thoughts on the key…

Read more →
· News

The second SWEET EDGE survey has started!

The second national survey on the future of energy supply in all regions of Switzerland has started. If you have been selected for this survey, we look forward to welcoming you at www.edge.ethz.ch, where you can participate with your personal access data. To…

Read more →
· News

10th EDGE newsletter is out !

What's in the newsletter? 📝 Registration open: Join us for the second Swiss conference on decentralized energy, happening on 22 May 2025 in Bern. Participation is free but spots are limited. Register here.🔥 Press releases: How would Switzerland handle a…

Read more →
· News

The second Swiss conference on decentralized energy will take place on 22 May 2025 in Bern

We are delighted to announce that the second Swiss conference on decentralized energy organized by SWEET EDGE will take place on Thursday, 22 May 2025, in Bern.

Read more →
· News

EDGE is now on Bluesky!

We're excited to expand our engagement with the energy communities on Bluesky! This platform allows us to share insights, project updates, and key discussions. Bluesky provides a fresh space for collaboration and meaningful exchanges on decentralized…

Read more →
· News

EDGE on the cover page of the St. Galler Nachrichten

Zoom on the EDGE pilot project in Wittenbach, who aims to be pioneer in the energy transition. By participating in the EDGE research consortium, Wittenbach joins a select group of Swiss municipalities aiming to demonstrate by 2026 what a truly sustainable…

Read more →
· News

Last article on EDGE co-coordinator: "Evelina Trutnevyte: The Energy Oracle"

Switzerland is striving for net-zero emissions by 2050. According to our EDGE co-coordinator Evelina Trutnevyte:"The set goal is entirely achievable. Of course, the pace of the transition must accelerate significantly, but there is a wide range of solutions…

Read more →
· Past event

Energy Drinks in Geneva — 8 and 15 January 2025

Join us on January 8 and 15, 2025, for two evenings of presentations and games about renewable energy!

Read more →
· News

Join us for the Energy Drinks event on 8 and 15 January 2025!

Join us on January 8 and 15, 2025, for two evenings of presentations and games about renewable energy!

Read more →
· News

Agri photovoltaic could supply five times more electricity than Switzerland needs

ZHAW researchers have revealed that agrivoltaics (agri-PV) could supply 5x more electricity than Switzerland currently needs! By combining agriculture and solar energy, we can combat climate change while generating additional income from electricity…

Read more →
· News

New monitoring panel members and new advisory board member

EDGE is honored to welcome the two new members of the EDGE monitoring panel: Dr. Stefan Nowak, Managing director of Net Nowak Energie AG: Head of the monitoring panel, and Prof. Andreas Balthasar, Professor of political science at the University of Lucerne.…

Read more →
· News

Switzerland said “yes” to the electricity law!

In the fall of 2023, Parliament approved the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply Based on Renewable Energies. The law establishes the foundation for rapidly increasing domestic electricity production from renewable energy sources such as water, solar,…

Read more →
· News

The EDGE Renewable Energy Outlook (REO) was presented to municipalities at the GREE meeting

In order to build connections and discuss energy, the GREE invited representatives from several French-speaking Swiss municipalities involved in wind energy projects to a meeting. The meeting was held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the early afternoon at…

Read more →
· News

The fourth in-person Consortium Meeting was held on 22-23 August 2024 in Horw

The fourth in-person consortium meeting of EDGE was held on 22 and 23 August 2024 at the University of Lucerne (HSLU), on the campus of Horw. EDGE PhDs and postdocs from all working groups presented their latest work. A social activity and a social dinner…

Read more →
· News

The third SWEET Conference was held on 4 September 2024 in Bern

The third SWEET Conference was held on 4 September 2024 at the Eventforum in Bern, organized by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE).

Read more →
· Past event

Consortium meeting - August 2024

The EDGE consortium meets twice a year. Our next consortium meeting will be held in-person in Lucerne on 22 and 23 August 2024. Consortium meetings are always very nice ways to exchange ideas and reflect on progress made. Our last in-person consortium meeting…

Read more →
· News

8th SWEET EDGE newsletter is out !

Welcome to our SWEET-EDGE quarterly newsletter:🤝 New monitoring panel members and new advisory board member🍹 Second "Energy Drinks" events for the general public▶ New video on the EDGE recommender tool💬 Switzerland said “yes” to the electricity law! 📰 The…

Read more →
· News

EDGE just held the consortium's third evaluation meeting

The EDGE consortium welcomed members of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and international experts for EDGE third evaluation meeting on 24 and 25 June 2024 in Davos. EDGE presented the newest advancements and showed progress made since the second evaluation…

Read more →
· News

A new EDGE video is published on our YouTube channel

▶ 💡 Watch our last video on a new tool that gathers the energy data of every Swiss city! It’s called the "recommender tool". ❓ What? The recommender tool is an online tool that centralizes the real-world energy data of your Swiss city.⚡ More specifically? It…

Read more →
· Past event

Third evaluation meeting - June 2024

We are looking forward to welcoming members of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and international experts for EDGE third evaluation meeting on 24 and 25 June 2024. We will present EDGE newest advancements and show progress made since the second evaluation…

Read more →
· News

The EDGE Renewable Energy Outlook for Switzerland received high attention

Since its publication, the Renewable Energy Outlook for Switzerland (REO) was downloaded over 1'800 times. It was highlighted in close to 40 articles, including the national ones: NZZ, Le Temps, as well as on TV in the SRF Eco Talk (14:48) and the RTS (04:21).

Read more →
· Past event

Second "Energy Drinks" events - May 2024

After the enthusiasm of the first series of the “Energy Drinks” events in August 2023 in Bern, which gathered around half of the audience coming outside of SWEET EDGE, we will reiterate the experience! These events aim at gathering the public around a drink…

Read more →
· News

Second Energy Drinks events for the general public, join us!

After the enthusiasm of the first series of the “Energy Drinks” events in August 2023 in Bern, which gathered around half of the audience coming outside of SWEET EDGE, we will reiterate the experience! These events aim at gathering the public around a drink…

Read more →
· News

Third event on knowledge and technology transfer in SWEET

On 23 April 2024, the knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) managers of the respective SWEET consortia met for the third KTT event organized by the SFOE in Bern. The topic was stakeholder mapping. These KTT events aim at sharing good practices and learning…

Read more →
· News

Latest YouTube video on the "Renewable Energy Outlook for Switzerland"

Watch our latest YouTube video explaining in simple words the strategies of the "Renewable Energy Outlook", with a focus on the target of 35 TWh/year of new renewable technologies by 2035.

Read more →
· News

New study on the potential for agri-PV in Swiss agriculture

In this new study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) of January 2024, a new theoretical total potential of 323 TWh/y for agri-PV in Switzerland was calculated, and the potential covers 56 % of the agricultural land available in Switzerland in…

Read more →
· News

Consortium Meetings in 2024

The EDGE consortium meets twice a year. Our next consortium meeting will be held online on 9 April 2024, and the next one will be held in-person in Lucerne on 22 and 23 August 2024. Consortium meetings are always very nice ways to exchange ideas and reflect…

Read more →
· News

EDGE Biennial Conference was held on 22 August 2023 in Bern

Final Agenda_EDGE biennial conference_22 August 2023_room number.pdf (191.7 KiB)

Read more →
· News

Second Energy Drinks events for the general public

After the enthusiasm of the first series of the “Energy Drinks” events in August 2023 in Bern, which gathered around half of the audience coming outside of SWEET EDGE, we will reiterate the experience! These events aim at gathering the public around a drink…

Read more →
· News

Third Evaluation Meeting

We are looking forward to welcoming members of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy and international experts for EDGE third evaluation meeting on 24 and 25 June 2024. We will present EDGE newest advancements and show progress made since the second evaluation…

Read more →
· News

"Zero intervention in the landscape and expansion of renewables. That doesn't work!"

Watch our research partner Isabelle Stadelmann-Steffen's interview following the referendum against the "Mantelerlass", which sets a new target of 35 TWh/year of new renewable electricity by 2035 in Switzerland.

Read more →
· News

Three strategies to boost renewable electricity in Switzerland

Three strategies to boost green electricity in Switzerland.pdf (61.0 KiB)

Read more →
· Past event

First EDGE Biennial Conference

EDGE organized its first Biennial Conference on 22 August 2023 in Bern: a public conference aiming at bridging academia, policy and industry to facilitate the development of networks outside academia and to enable EDGE findings to be communicated. A total of…

Read more →
· Past event

First"Energy Drinks" events - August 2023

EDGE held its first two outreach events in Bern on the evenings of both 21 and 23 August 2023. These events are called "Energy Drinks": you come and have a drink at the bar while listening to four presentations per night on hot energy topics in Switzerland,…

Read more →
· News

EDGE Biennial Conference will be held on 22 August 2023 in Bern

Final Agenda_EDGE biennial conference_22 August 2023_room number.pdf (191.7 KiB)

Read more →
· News

Energy drinks event in Bern!

EDGE will hold two outreach events in Bern on the evenings of both 21 and 23 August 2023. These events are called "Energy Drinks": you come and have a drink at the bar while listening to four presentations per night on hot energy topics in Switzerland,…

Read more →
· News

Fifth newsletter is out!

Our June newsletter is out! Biennial conference in Bern in August 2023, next consortium meeting, peer-reviewed publication, Youtube video on alpine photovoltaic... You will find many information there and our latest findings

Read more →
· News

New video on alpine photovoltaic

Several researchers present their latest work on Swiss alpine solar photovoltaic installations, also frequently called alpine PV.

Read more →
· News

Second Site Visit

EDGE will be very pleased to welcome SFOE members and international experts to Lausanne for its Second Evaluation Meeting on 16 June 2023. We are looking forward to present EDGE newest advancements and show progress made since the first Site Visit in August…

Read more →
· News

Third in-person Consortium Meeting

Our third in-person EDGE Consortium Meeting will be held on 23 August 2023 at the University of Bern. This will be a great opportunity to exchange ideas and reflect on the past year as well as on discussions made during the first EDGE Biennial Conference of…

Read more →
· News

EDGE's 4th Newsletter is out!

Find the full media coverage list of the EDGE Policy White Paper on rooftop photovoltaic, as well as peer-reviewed publications, many news and events to come.

Read more →
· News

EDGE White Paper shows extreme level of fragmentation of rooftop PV policy in Switzerland

This is the first EDGE White Paper on policy and market design for high shares of decentralized renewable energy, authored by Tobias Schmidt (ETH Zurich), Isabelle Stadelmann (University of Bern), and colleagues.

Read more →
· News

The EDGE national survey shows some first results

Survey's preliminary results_Regional policy acceptance.pdf (1.4 MiB)

Read more →
· News

Our EDGE 1-year report has been published on Aramis

The EDGE consortium aims to become the point of reference in Switzerland for integrating very high shares of renewable generation, based on solid scientific work and science-practice collaboration taking the specific settings in cities, midlands and the Alps…

Read more →
· News

SWEET EDGE Third Newsletter is out!

First EDGE Evaluation Meeting, second in-person Consortium Meeting, multiple interviews, two peer reviewed publications... Find out what EDGE members worked on for the past few months! -> Read the full Newsletter here.

Read more →
· News

Watch our partner's illustrated video interview!

Discover the great work of Christof BUCHER, Professor of Photovoltaic Systems at the Photovoltaic Laboratory (PV Lab) of the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). His work mainly focuses on testing PV systems that cannot be tested by the private…

Read more →
· News

EDGE First Site Visit was held

We are very pleased to have welcomed SFOE members and international experts to Geneva for EDGE Evaluation Meeting at the end of August 2022. Very interesting points were raised and constructive feedback will be taken into account. The next program evaluation…

Read more →
· News

EDGE Second in-person Consortium Meeting

Our second EDGE in-person Consortium Meeting was held on 31 August and 1 September 2022 at the University of Geneva. A total of 36 members were present, including our Advisory Board member Carlos Pereira (Club of Rome) and our Implementation Partner Ingo…

Read more →
· News

Good news for solar PV ­

There is great potential for photovoltaics along national roads. This should be opened up as soon as possible. The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) makes available areas available free of charge and starts an application process.

Read more →
· News

The SWEET EDGE survey has started!

The national survey on the future of energy supply in all regions of Switzerland has started. If you have been selected for this survey, we look forward to welcoming you at www.edge.ethz.ch, where you can participate with your personal access data. To make…

Read more →
· News

Updates on EDGE P&D project in Wittenbach (WP5)

Our Research Partner Prof. Jürg Rohrer from ZHAW is moving forward with EDGE P&D project in the Swiss midlands (WP 5).

Read more →
· News

Our second Newsletter is out !

Welcome to our second SWEET-EDGE quarterly newsletter accessible here. It is a pleasure to keep you updated about our latest news, events, guests and to share articles and ideas with you. All newsletters are now available in three languages: English, German…

Read more →
· News

Agro-PV system to grow lamb's lettuce

Our Research Partner Jürg Rohrer from ZHAW has initiated a project using agro-pv plants to grow a specific type of salad: lamb's lettuce. Agro-photovoltaics, or Agri-PV, knows a recent but very dynamic development in Europe. It follows the idea that food and…

Read more →
· News

Welcome our new partners in economics

We are proud to announce the arrival of two new EDGE partners in economics.

Read more →
· News

Our first Youtube Interview is out!

For this first interview video, we were delighted to welcome Annelen Kahl, Co-founder of SUNWELL. Her work focuses on PV production in snow-covered mountains. SUNWELL’s vision is to establish alpine solar energy as a prominent part of the renewable energy…

Read more →
· News

Our first Newsletter is out !

Welcome to our first SWEET-EDGE quarterly newsletter accessible here. It is a pleasure to keep you updated about our latest news, events, guests and to share articles and ideas with you. Please note that while this first newsletter is in English, the upcoming…

Read more →
· News

Meet our Advisory Board Members !

We are proud to introduce our Advisory Board Members. The Advisory Board will assist and facilitate the decisions made by the Consortium.

Read more →
· News

Good news for the Swiss Alps

The International Mountain Conference of September 2022 IMC2022 aims at gaining insights into initiatives towards climate neutrality in mountains around the world, including in the swiss alps and addressing mountain-specific energy transitions.

Read more →
· News

We are online!

The new website for SWEET EDGE is now online, offering detailed information on the SWEET EDGE goals, the background and the 11 work packages. Also read about the unique concept of the three regions, a specific focus of the project. Research partners,…

Read more →
· News

kick-off meeting

On 26 October 2021 the consortium of Sweet Edge met for an in-person and online kick-off meeting at EPFL in Lausanne. More than 40 consortium members from research, industry and administration discused progres in the work packages and further collaboration…

Read more →