How can a smooth defossilisation of the Swiss chemical sector be achieved?

Energy and environment 09:31

To slow down climate change, it is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly and significantly. In Switzerland and worldwide, most emissions come from the use of fos-sil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal. The energy sector is therefore at the centre of climate protection measures. However, fos-sil resources are also important raw materials in the chemical industry. To achieve climate neutrality and at the same time improve security of supply, it is important to aim at the most comprehensive defossilisation possible in all sectors and processes.

Translated with DeepL

Defossilisation is a major technical and economic challenge. It harbours risks, but also opportunities for innovative companies that develop alternatives to fossil fuels. In the energy sector, solutions are available for replacing fossil fuels, such as the switch to renewable energies and electrification. This contrasts with the chemical industry, for which it is much less clear today how fossil raw materials can be replaced.

For this reason, the SATW would like to gain an overview of the effects of defossilisation on the value chains of the chemical industry and identify courses of action for the relevant Swiss players. To this end, it is planning a forum at which representatives from industry, associations, administration and research can exchange and discuss their experiences and assessments and bring them together to form an overall picture. The findings from these activities will ultimately be published by the SATW.

The SATW will shortly be inviting interested participants to the "Defossilisation Forum". If you are interested in the topic, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact:
Hans-Peter Meyer, Expertinova AG, SATW Board Member, Head of the Scientific Advisory Board