The CAS program in Applied Technology in Energy at ETH Zurich offers a more thorough comprehension of the energy system. It allows participants to contribute to the development of their industry’s or company’s energy future and, consequently, to the achievement of the net-zero climate target.
One highlight of the CAS is the opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange with participants. Image Credit: Gianfranco Guidati / ETH Zürich
Like many other nations, Switzerland is working toward the climate goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To accomplish this, the energy system related to the supply of heat, power, and transportation must be completely redesigned.
For a long time, electricity in Switzerland was generated using nuclear and hydroelectric power, heat was produced using oil and gas, and mobility was powered almost exclusively by oil, whether in the form of petrol, diesel or kerosene for aircraft. The energy transition means we’ll almost completely stop using fossil fuels.
Gianfranco Guidati, Deputy Director, Energy Science Center, ETH Zurich
In the mobility sector, vehicles will be driven by electricity, heat will be created using heat pumps whenever practical, and electricity demand will be satisfied by photovoltaics, hydropower, and wind.
“This is the only way we will reach the net zero target,” added Guidati.
Overcoming Various Hurdles
Of course, this process presents significant challenges.
“For example, if almost a million photovoltaic systems are in operation, as well as countless heat pumps and charging stations for electric vehicles, the system will need to be reorganized from the ground up in order to work effectively,” Guidati explained.
He further added, “The technical challenges are not to be underestimated, but they are surmountable. The keywords here are digitalization, the regulation of complex systems, and, in the future, artificial intelligence.”
Societal concerns must be addressed to achieve the net zero goal. Society must embrace certain changes, and people may be forced to decide how to heat their home or which car to buy.
On a political level, there is agreement on the destination but not how to get there. For example, increased hydropower or wind power has already sparked municipal discussions about where wind turbines can be constructed.
Finally, the issue of energy transition must be addressed at the corporate level. It will only be able to accelerate the shift if specialists and executives at organizations can grasp energy technologies, accurately identify risks, and address topics with experts on an equal footing.
Driving Forward the Energy Transition with Specialist Knowledge
This is where the CAS ETH Applied Technology in Energy can help. It provides solid professional knowledge and practical approaches to addressing the complex difficulties of the energy transition. Participants improve their abilities in renewable energy, innovative technology, and strategic implementation.
The CAS combines specialist knowledge with practical relevance and offers clear added value in terms of professional development.
Christian Schaffner, Executive Director, Energy Science Center, ETH Zurich
Managers can only help cut greenhouse gas emissions at their organization if they understand how specific technologies work, for example. This includes anticipating the future market and responding quickly when adjusting certain production techniques or even designing products.
Schaffner added, “The CAS empowers those who successfully complete the program to act as the driving force behind the energy transition at their companies.”
Building on the Principles
To begin, participants learn about the current energy system. This covers a review of scientific concepts governing the generation, storage, and distribution of energy, as well as the legal and economic environment. Participants renew their math and physics skills while also filling knowledge gaps.
The second module dives deeper into the subject, asking how energy is stored in industry. What advances will arise in the future, and what hurdles will they face? These and other topics are addressed in the second module, which focuses on batteries. Participants learn about lithium-ion batteries, including how they work and where they are utilized. One of the module's main highlights is the experimental setup of their own battery.
The third module has a wider scope. Participants learn about the basic setup and operation of the energy grid. However, this module also examines future grids and their challenges and opportunities, such as decentralized generation, microgrids, and virtual power plants.
From a technical and regulatory standpoint, providing a dependable electricity supply is one of the most significant accomplishments of the past century, according to Gaby Hug, Professor of Power Systems at ETH Zurich, who co-leads the third module with Christian Franck, Professor of Electric Power Transmission.
However, the system is now under heavy strain due to fundamental changes in electricity generation.
Gaby Hug, Professor, Power Systems, ETH Zurich
She added, “Among other things, the CAS aims to clearly illustrate the complex interplay between old and new, from theory to practical application.”
Practical Use of Acquired Knowledge
The last module focuses on comprehending the influence of the energy transition on industry, including the usage of electrification technology in diverse sectors. Participants utilize the knowledge they gained in the previous three modules.
“One personal highlight of the CAS is the opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange with participants. I would also like to emphasize the case studies, which allow participants to apply the knowledge they have gained to real-life challenges through group work on problems that come straight from industry,” Schaffner stated.
This entails exchanging ideas not only with industry specialists but also with Master’s students at ETH.
Schaffner concluded, “With a deeper understanding of innovative technologies and solutions, as well as regulatory implementation, participants can develop and successfully implement forward-looking energy concepts. They also strengthen their ability to manage complex projects, coordinate various stakeholders, and initiate sustainable changes.”
The CAS ETH Applied Technology in Energy can be pursued independently or as part of the MAS ETH in Applied Technology.