Launching the Swiss-Japan Energy Days

The inaugural Swiss-Japan Energy Days, held on September 10-11, 2024, in Zürich and Osaka, provided a critical platform for addressing global energy and climate challenges. Organized by Swissnex in Japan and ETH Zurich’s Energy Science Center, the event brought together leading experts from academia, industry, and government to explore solutions for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With a focus on energy security, sustainability, and international cooperation, the discussions underscored the importance of Swiss-Japanese collaboration in shaping a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Switzerland and Japan, both reliant on energy imports, share a common goal of reducing carbon emissions while ensuring energy security. The event featured insightful discussions on balancing decarbonization with supply stability, as highlighted by Benoît Revaz, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy: "The energy crisis served as a wake-up call to balance decarbonization goals with energy supply security." The need for strategic backup measures, including hydropower reserves and alternative energy sources, was a key theme in the dialogues. Experts also explored how behavioral changes and decision-making processes play a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.

The Swiss-Japan Energy Days provided a platform for start-ups and researchers to present cutting-edge developments in renewable energy and energy storage. Companies such as Borobotics and EX-Fusion showcased pioneering work in wind energy and nuclear fusion, while leading academic figures, including ETH Zurich President Joël Mesot and Kyoto University President Nagahiro Minato, emphasized the role of scientific collaboration in driving energy innovation.

As a follow-up to this successful first edition, the next Swiss-Japan Energy Days are scheduled for September 25-26, 2025, during Expo 2025 in Osaka. Under the Expo’s theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," the discussions will continue to explore climate action, decarbonization, and sustainable energy solutions. The Swiss Pavilion will serve as a hub for showcasing Switzerland’s leadership in sustainability and innovation.

By fostering deeper partnerships between Switzerland and Japan, the Swiss-Japan Energy Days reaffirm the significance of global collaboration in tackling the energy and climate crisis. Through continued dialogue and innovation, both nations are paving the way toward a cleaner, more secure energy future.

Find out more in the recent E2 news article.