brenet ResearchLunch #3

Decarbonization with storage technologies – which are ready for implementation, and where is further research needed?

Insights from applied research on thermal, electrical, and chemical storage solutions.

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Oct 30, 2025 | 12.15 pm – 1.15 pm | Online​

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The Energy Strategy 2050+ sets new requirements for our energy system: it must increasingly focus on storing energy from renewable sources, so that it is available at times and in places with low generation. Energy storage technologies thus play a key role.

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Achieving net-zero emissions requires not only the expansion of renewable energy sources but also scalable and flexible storage solutions. The third brenet ResearchLunch brings together experts and practitioners to examine the implementation and potential of various storage technologies within the Swiss energy system. Five contributions from brenet experts demonstrate how storage can support decarbonization strategies, how buildings and heat pumps can be integrated into grid services, and which tools are available for planning electrified energy systems. The session also highlights circular battery concepts and second-life applications, which offer potential for more efficient resource use and contribute to the stability of the energy system.

Afterwards, we will discuss how these projects can be transferred into practice, explore the specific needs of industry players, and identify how research and practice can connect to accelerate the deployment of storage solutions on the path to net zero in buildings, districts, and industry.

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Programme

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Short scientific contributions

Researchers present current projects on thermal, electrical, and chemical storage technologies.

• Which thermal storage systems does Switzerland need? Identifying storage potentials in municipalities and neighborhoods and estimating cost/emission-saving potential – Prof. Dr. Philipp Schütz, HSLU – CC Thermische Speicher

• Fast sizing methods for the electrification of residential buildings – Lorenzo Nespoli, SUPSI | ISAAC

• A practical data-driven method to harness buildings as virtual batteries for demand response – Manuel Koch, PhD & Dr.-Ing. Parantapa Sawant, INEB FHNW

• Methodology for seasonal storage in building technology systems – Michael Mollet & Prof. Dr. Natasa Vulic, | FHNW

• CircuBAT – Second-life batteries in storage applications – Simon Nigsch, OST | IES

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Practice Check & Discussion – Moderation: Daniel Philippen SPF OST

How can research and practice connect to accelerate the deployment of storage solutions on the path to net zero in buildings, districts, and industry?

• How can thermal storage systems be implemented and for which applications?

• What is the role of energy management systems in sector coupling?

• How can the use of second-life batteries be promoted – what is needed to make it happen?

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The discourse between the various participants enables diverse perspectives and valuable insights.

• Industry players – Which of the presented storage technologies appear scalable, economically viable, and system-friendly – and what prerequisites are needed for practical implementation?

• Research – Where are the current knowledge gaps, and which concrete next research steps would most effectively support transfer into practice?

• System – Which political, regulatory, or financial levers would most accelerate pilot projects and the broad scaling of storage solutions?

brenet ResearchLunch #2

PV Roll-Out – How applied research can support the roll-out of PV

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At brenet ResearchLunch #2, experts from six affiliated member institutes presented to over 30 registered participants how applied research can support the roll-out of PV. Many thanks to Francesco Frontini for moderating the scientific discussions and to all the participants for their engagement! 

PV currently covers around 10% of Switzerland's electricity demand. With technological advances, the industry is characterized by falling prices, increasing efficiency, and longer lifespans. However, the cheapest solution is not automatically the lowest-emissions solution – cost and climate paths must be considered together.

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The following projects were presented that shed light on the concrete implementation of PV in Switzerland, including:

• Emissions assessment in relation to service life.

• State-of-the-art test laboratories for adapting PV mass modules and modules in combination with mounting systems to Swiss requirements (climate, building culture, aesthetics, quality).

• A test laboratory for the integration of PV into energy management systems (smart grids).

• Facade suitability and urban applications.

• Technical challenges such as glare on fences and alpine installations.

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Outlook: Further necessary research approaches cover the entire life cycle – from integration into the Swiss energy system and criteria for mass deployment to lifetime assessments and recycling.

brenet ResearchLunch #1

At the first brenet ResearchLunch, around 20 researchers from member institutes provided initial insights into their research areas and laboratories – focusing on brenet's core topics: sustainable construction, building technology, and renewable energies.

It also became clear that the transformation to net-zero in the construction industry is complex and requires cross-sector collaboration. What's needed are solutions that are scientifically sound, economically viable, and socially effective. As a vibrant network, brenet invites participants to actively connect and work together on viable solutions for the transformation of the building sector. Many thanks to all presenters and participants for this successful start!