Local energy communities in Switzerland: Regulatory framework, economic potentials and the systemic integration of second-life storage systems

Local energy communities in Switzerland: Regulatory framework, economic potentials and the systemic integration of second-life storage systems

Lithium has become one of the most volatile raw materials of the energy transition. After a dramatic boom-and-bust cycle that has reshaped the battery industry, prices are rising sharply again in 2025–2026. For anyone investing in or specifying battery energy storage systems, it is becoming increasingly important to understand what drives these fluctuations and what protects against them.

Lithium has become one of the most volatile raw materials of the energy transition. After a dramatic boom-and-bust cycle that has reshaped the battery industry, prices are rising s...

From an evaluation project for e-trucks of a partner company, eight large traction batteries with a nominal capacity of 560 kWh were recovered for a second life. The areas of application for these batteries are highly limited, making them unattractive for smaller applications, especially since they could only function when connected as clusters of 4 batteries. Therefore, it was clear that a large storage system should be created from this, which can stabilize the Swiss power grid.

From an evaluation project for e-trucks of a partner company, eight large traction batteries with a nominal capacity of 560 kWh were recovered for a second life. The areas of appli...

The year 2026 marks a turning point in the history of renewable energies, particularly in the Swiss context. While the global solar industry technologically moves towards ultra-high efficiency and diversified storage chemistry, Switzerland is undergoing a historical regulatory system change.

The year 2026 marks a turning point in the history of renewable energies, particularly in the Swiss context. While the global solar industry technologically moves towards ultra-hig...