brenet ResearchLunch #3

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

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On 30 October 2025, brenet’s Research Lunch #3 brought together around 60 participants from research, planning, energy utilities, industry and public administration. The event focused on current projects in thermal, electrical and chemical energy storage technologies – and on how these solutions can accelerate decarbonisation in buildings, districts and the broader energy system. Following short research impulses, participants discussed technical, regulatory and economic requirements for implementation in breakout groups.

Overall conclusion: Storage technologies are essential for decarbonisation – but their full potential is only realised when technological innovation, solid planning, suitable regulatory frameworks and viable business models come together. The solutions exist – what is needed now is close collaboration between research and practice to deploy them effectively in buildings, districts and across the Swiss energy system.

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Presentations

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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
  Download | BFE Publication
  
  brenet summary: New modelling shows that thermal storage plays a central role in Switzerland – forintegrating renewable heat and relieving grid infrastructure. Its potential strongly depends on location, available space and local objectives (costs, CO₂, flexibility).
  Next step: Municipalities, planning offices and project teams are invited to assess, plan or optimise thermal storage systems, supported by an independent, non-commercial partner for analyses and variant studies.
   

• Fast sizing methods for the electrification of residential buildings – Lorenzo Nespoli, SUPSI | ISAAC
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  brenet summary: Simple rule-based and robust optimisation methods allow fast and realistic sizing of PV–battery systems for buildings and districts. They reduce complexity and computing effort and make practical planning more accessible.
  Next step: Seeking researchers for joint funding calls (HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-19 or upcoming SFOE calls), and industry partners for testing, implementation and benchmarking against existing sizing approaches.
   

• A practical data-driven method to harness buildings as virtual batteries for demand response – Manuel Koch, PhD & Dr.-Ing. Parantapa Sawant, INEB FHNW
  Download
  
  brenet summary: Heat pumps can significantly support grid stability through intelligent control. Simulations show that clusters of buildings can act as flexible “virtual batteries” with high accuracy and promising economic potential.
  Next step: Looking for practice partners for field pilots to test the control architecture in real buildings or energy communities (LEG / vZEV). Particularly relevant: property owners, portfolio managers and local grid operators able to provide operational environments and data.
   

• Methodology for seasonal storage in building technology systems – Michael Mollet & Prof. Dr. Natasa Vulic, INEB FHNW
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  brenet summary: A new optimisation tool enables holistic planning of districts and multi-energy systems with hydrogen-based seasonal storage. Hourly simulations support decisions on costs, autonomy and emissions – a valuable basis for municipal energy strategies.
  Next step: Seeking partners to apply the tool in real projects, including district development, local energy communities and neighbourhood decarbonisation.
   

• CircuBAT – Second-life batteries in storage applications – Simon Nigsch, OST | IES
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  brenet summary: Used EV batteries can be reliably integrated into modular stationary storage systems. Key challenges include diagnostics, business models and regulatory frameworks – all crucial for scaling circular battery solutions.
  Next step: Seeking research and industry partners interested in pilot projects, knowledge exchange and co-developing solutions for efficient second-life battery usage.

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Across three moderated breakout groups, participants discussed practical hurdles:

• Thermal storage: Land-use planning, legal frameworks and viable business models strongly influence feasibility.

• Energy management & sector coupling: Standardised interfaces and interoperable systems are required to connect buildings and grids.

• Second-life batteries: Market still emerging; reliable diagnostics, adaptable standards and cost reductions are essential.

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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!