The ‘Hydrogen: Overview and Action Options for Switzerland’ report was unveiled by the Federal Council on December 13 and developed with input from an internal administrative working group, an external working group and in consultation with the gas industry and regional authorities.
Although the current hydrogen demand in Switzerland is forecasted to remain low until 2035, from then the report stated that domestic demand will increase as imports from the EU and third countries become more cost-effective, steadily replacing domestic production.
The nation plans to build hydrogen infrastructure along the value chain; ensure integration with the European hydrogen network and strengthen imports through international partnerships; and leverage technology development to advance Switzerland as an energy hub.
For domestic production, the strategy focuses on hydrogen and PtX derivatives, such as synthetic methane or methanol, which will be crucial for achieving a fossil-free energy supply by 2050. It aims to create the necessary framework for this transition, with a key requirement being that the hydrogen is produced from CO2-neutral processes.
Earlier this week, energy firm Axpo broke ground on its 2MW Swiss green hydrogen plant, which is set to fuel a passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne.
Priority applications will concentrate on economically and ecologically viable sectors, including high-temperature process heat in the industry; peak load coverage in combined heat and power systems; reserve power plants; and aviation, shipping, and heavy-duty transport.
The Swiss hydrogen strategy also highlights key measures to help develop the domestic market. Under the Climate and Innovation Act (KIG), hydrogen production and storage will receive financial support for six years.
Additionally, the Federal Department of UVEK and Finance will assess the feasibility of connecting the Transitgas pipeline to the European hydrogen network by 2025.
Market progress will also be monitored through the 2050 Energy Strategy and UVEK’s energy outlooks, which will also identify land for hydrogen refuelling stations.
Furthermore, collaboration among the private sector, government and regional authorities will be important, with the latter being encouraged to develop their own strategies, streamline approval processes, harmonise regulations and enhance training programmes to address skill shortages.
