Innovation promotion Higher education ETH Domain Swissnex International cooperation Sustainable development Events

First Swiss-Japan Energy Days: Looking Ahead to Expo 2025

The inaugural Swiss-Japan Energy Days in Zürich and Osaka served to address the global energy and climate crisis. Held on 10 to 11 September 2024, this event marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between Switzerland and Japan.

27.01.2025
Author: Alice Rouaud (Swissnex)
Group photo of seven people in front of a very large screen.

Related links

Related articles:

The Swiss-Japan Energy Days’ first edition on 10 and 11 September 2024 focused on actionable strategies for a sustainable energy future and strong partnerships. Swissnex in Japan and ETH Zurich’s Energy Science Center organized the event, bringing together leading academic and industry experts, policymakers, and innovative start-ups. With a shared vision of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the Energy Days emphasized energy security, sustainability, and international cooperation. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and start-up pitches, participants learned more about cutting-edge solutions to global energy challenges.

A Shared Vision with Japan

Switzerland and Japan's shared ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 underscores the importance of international collaboration. The incoming Swiss Ambassador to Japan, Roger Dubach, emphasized the significance of Swiss-Japanese relations in tackling global challenges. Both nations face similar hurdles in energy security due to reliance on imports, particularly during winter months. The Swiss-Japan Energy Days reaffirmed the importance of global partnerships in addressing complex energy challenges. In uniting leaders from academia, industry, and government, the event laid a strong foundation for actionable progress.

«The energy crisis served as a wake-up call to balance decarbonization goals with energy supply security.»

Benoît Revaz, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy

Switzerland’s Energy Leadership

Switzerland has enacted legislation to secure its energy supply through renewable sources and improve efficiency. Benoît Revaz, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, reflected on the recent global energy crisis: «The crisis served as a wake-up call to balance decarbonization goals with energy supply security.» In addition to its potential in hydropower, wind, and solar energy, Switzerland is implementing backup measures, such as reserving water for winter and securing thermal and gas reserves from neighbouring countries. Prof. Dr. André Bardow from ETH Zurich highlighted the «energy trilemma»: balancing supply security, affordability and sustainability. While renewable technologies are cost-effective, addressing human behaviour and decision-making is equally critical. 

Please activate marketing cookies to watch video.

Swissnex’s initiative Swissnex for the Planet illustrates Switzerland’s commitment to global environmental solutions. Dr. Felix Moesner, Consul of Switzerland in Osaka and CEO of Swissnex in Japan, stated that «by bringing together the best of science, technology, and diplomacy, we hope to develop new methods that can have a real impact globally.» 

Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. Our mission is to support the outreach and active engagement of our partners in the international exchange of knowledge, ideas and talent. We thereby contribute to strengthen Switzerland's profile as a world-leading innovation hotspot.

Innovative Energy Solutions

The Energy Days provided a platform for discussing innovative approaches to renewable energy and market transformation. Insights from experts like Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman of the Institute of Energy Economics Japan, emphasized the need for bold policies and technologies to accelerate the energy transition. Start-ups such as Borobotics and EX-Fusion showcased advancements in wind energy and fusion research.

Day two put the spotlight on cutting-edge research in renewable energy storage and carbon capture technologies. These technologies are pivotal in reducing import dependency and enhancing energy security. Speakers included academic leaders such as Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, and Nagahiro Minato, President of Kyoto University. 

Photo of Felix Moesner giving a lecture.
Dr. Felix Moesner introducing the initiative «Swissnex for the Planet». Photo: Swissnex in Japan
Group photograph of four men.
From left to right: Prof. Adrian Altenburger (Co-Organizer), Prof. Dr. André Bardow, Director Benoît Revaz, Dr. Christian Schaffner (Co-Organizer). Photo: Energy Science Center, ETH Zürich
Four people in a panel discussion, one of them holding a microphone.
Speakers at the Energy Days gave insights into emerging technologies and innovations in the energy sector. Photo: Swissnex in Japan

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The next edition of the Energy Days is planned for September 25-26, 2025, during the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Themed «Designing Future Society for Our Lives,» Expo 2025 will explore topics such as climate change, decarbonization, biodiversity, circular economy, and renewable energy. The Swiss-Japan Energy Days 2025 aligned with Expo 2025 will continue to promote and support discussions about solutions for a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025

Switzerland’s innovative Pavilion – the lightest ever designed for a World Expo – reflects the nation’s dedication to sustainable development. Its themes «Life, Planet, and Augmented Human» will provide a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies in robotics, AI and renewable energy. Follow-up events will build on insights from the Energy Days, fostering deeper collaboration between Switzerland and Japan.

Contact
Tatiana Benavides Damm, SERI Project Manager, Swissnex Network Unit tatiana.benavidesdamm@sbfi.admin.ch +41 79 288 34 96
Author
Alice Rouaud (Swissnex)

Related links