At the 8th Swissgrid Grid Forum, renowned speakers discussed the subject of «Smart solutions for sustainability, security of supply and grid stability in Switzerland – with or without the EU?» under the moderation of Urs Gredig.
The illustrator «Small Shark» has summed up the 8th Swissgrid Grid Forum in an impressive image:
Conclusion
The electricity sector is making an important contribution to the decarbonisation of society. Looking ahead to this winter, signs are increasingly emerging of a conflict between sustainability, economic efficiency and security of supply. A secure supply of electricity is absolutely essential for the economy and society.
At the same time, we must remember that the Swiss electricity grid is part of the European interconnected grid, connected via 41 lines, and that the relationship between Switzerland and Europe remains tense. Representatives of the electricity sector, science and business discussed solutions that meet the various challenges facing the industry. The participants received new impetus from international experts and European neighbours from Estonia, Italy and Austria. There was a consensus regarding the fact that a self-sufficient supply of electricity for Switzerland remains an illusion.
Digitalisation is also an important topic in the electricity sector. Digitalisation and process automation not only increase the efficiency and safety of grid operations and maintenance, but can also optimise grid planning. However, digitalisation must always go hand in hand with the expansion of cyber security. The implementation of the Network Code Cyber Security will support this.
Everyone was in agreement that without grid security, there is no security of supply. The energy transition will not succeed without a high-performance transmission grid. The «Strategic Grid 2040» can only be successfully implemented in cooperation with partners. Planning has already started.
The concluding panel discussion debated the importance of skilled workers in the industry: without ambitious employees who are prepared to break new ground, promote innovations and actively help shape them, there can be no progress. The aim is to strengthen diversity in teams and in cooperation. This is how the electricity sector can be constructively successful, both now and in the future, so that together we can complete the energy transition – and hopefully avoid an energy crisis!