Energy Future

Table of Contents

How to compose our energy mix? What does the 2000-watt society mean? What are we risking by delaying our answer?

CO2 capture and sequestration: an option for Switzerland?
If Switzerland decided to produce part of its electricity from gas-fired power plants, it would be technically possible to capture their CO2 emissions and store them deep underground or use them in industrial processes.
How will our future energy mix be different from today’s?
In 2050, our energy mix will be quite different from today’s; it will be much more diversified (due in particular to new renewable energies), it will no longer include nuclear power (at least not indigenous power), and it will depend much less on oil products.
Should we redefine our energy indicators?
The energy transition will require clarification and enrichment of the way we measure energy production and consumption. In addition to traditional indicators such as energy intensity, new and more relevant indicators such as “energy efficiency”, “grey energy” or “total cost of ownership” should be used.
Is the 2000-watt society a goal of the energy transition?
The concept of the “2000-watt society” refers to a long-term goal, an ideal of energy consumption towards which each country should strive in order to ensure sustainable development on a global scale.
What risks are we taking if we don’t act quickly enough?
The longer we delay in deciding on a course of action, the fewer options are available and the higher the overall cost of the transition may be. Energy systems generally have a high degree of inertia, and not all options can be achieved at the same pace.
Switzerland’s energy future: what is the way forward?
The 100 questions and answers on the Swiss-Energyscope platform are not intended to provide definitive answers or turnkey solutions. Their main objective is to provide the general public with clear and scientifically sound information on the challenges of the energy transition in Switzerland.