We drive system integration through the development of methods, models and applications forward. 

• We have developed the Platform-based-Design method for energy systems which enables the seamless integration of different levels of abstraction in an energy system to accelerate the energy transition.

• We drive the develop of the energy system optimization framework ehubX forward

  • We have developed modules to integrate renewable energy resources, such as geothermal energy and storage (ATES and BTES) and wind power to energy systems

  • We have enabled the option to include the full carbon cycle into energy systems

  • We develop a self-sufficiency module to assess energy systems holistically within the energy trilemma.

  • We address the challenge on how energy system models can be built and solved in the future

• We integrate systems via digital twins and aim to integrate energy systems to larger digital twin frameworks spanning multiple domains and scales

• We have developed a holistic model of the Swiss energy system including all sectors and the full carbon cycle with all relevant CCUTS technologies (Carbon-Capture Utilization Transport and Storage. This model enables the assessment of the Energy-Carbon-Materials nexus holistically

• We have developed a high-fidelity energy system model of the Rheintal region in the Canton Grabünden in close collaboration with authorities and local stakeholders. With this work, we enable an informed decision making and policy development, accelerating the implementation of the required measures to reach net-zero by 2050.

Energy transitions are about more than technology.
Our research explores the deep interconnections between energy, ecology, environment, society, the economy, and governance – systems that shape our collective future. We ask: how can we design these systems differently to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable ways of living?

We embrace collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders.
By challenging assumptions, rethinking dominant narratives, and reaching across borders, we seek transformative solutions grounded in both scientific rigor and social equity.

Systemic change begins when we dismantle silos.
Through research, policy engagement, and practice, we work to co-create pathways where people and planet can thrive – now and for generations to come.

>> These ideas shape the research we pursue. 

Our key areas of focus include:

• Sufficiency as a strategy for sustainability, resilience, and well-being
  • Investigating how can demand-side approaches can reduce resource use while enhancing wellbeing and reducing planetary stress, through cross-sectoral collaborative initiatives like the Swiss Sufficiency Lab (see "Selected Projects" below).
• Transformative approaches with co-benefits
  • Designing interventions that deliver multiple synergetic gains, such as coupling climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, and human well-being, by applying systems thinking and integrative methods.
• Governance, institutional, and policy innovation
  • Co-developing robust and adaptive policy frameworks to bridge the research-policy interface, supporting urban energy transformation, positive energy districts, and renewable energy communities.
• Participatory and transdisciplinary methods
  • Working together with living labs, municipalities, global city networks, and leading international organizations to co-design inclusive approaches to ground research in practice and support community-driven solutions.
• Energy justice and underrepresented spaces in transition
  • Addressing unique challenges and opportunities in overlooked geographies across the Global North and South, including peri-urban areas and informal urban settlements. We develop context-sensitive models and planning tools to ensure diverse realities are reflected in system design (e.g., MEASURES).

Associated current projects: Era-Net GOES, SWEET reFuel.ch, Netto-Null Rheintal 2050, Mining the Atmosphere (HARMONY), MOTEL

Associated past projects: VSE Energiezukunft 2050

Ongoing Projects

Crafting Policies for Positive Energy Districts (Pol4PED)

Pol4PED develops inclusive, context-specific policy solutions to support the transformation of existing urban areas into Positive Energy Districts (PEDs). The project integrates technical, economic, legal, and social dimensions to inform robust and adaptable policy mixes. Through case studies in Zurich, Vienna, and Groningen, Pol4PED identifies best practices and co-creates policy insights that accelerate sustainable urban energy transitions across Europe.

Contact: Vanja Djinlev

Upcoming Projects & Initiatives

periASTY: “Flexibly adjustable mobility, energy, industry and governance innovations to improve decarbonisation of periurban areas and accelerate their integration in the transition towards climate neutrality”

periASTY enables the integration of peri-urban areas into Europe’s climate-neutral transition. Our work focuses on local renewable energy communities through advanced energy system modeling, strategic planning tools, and sufficiency-driven design. We develop district- and city-scale optimization models, assess sufficiency measures to reduce demand and emissions, and embed these in system design and governance strategies. Partnering with Living Labs across Europe, periASTY promotes just and resilient energy transitions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of peri-urban spaces.

Contact: Mashael Yazdanie

Swiss Sufficiency Lab

Launching in 2025, the Swiss Sufficiency Lab (SSL) is a national think-to-do tank advancing sufficiency as a strategy for sustainable, equitable living within planetary boundaries. As the Swiss node of the World Sufficiency Lab, the SSL brings together researchers, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to promote systemic change toward reduced resource demand and societal and planetary wellbeing.

Sufficiency, as defined by the IPCC, is about avoiding excess demand for energy, materials, land, water and other resources, while ensuring wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries. It asks us to rethink what it means to thrive.

The SSL focuses on:

• Cross-sectoral collaboration: Uniting diverse actors across sectors
• Research & innovation: Driving interdisciplinary projects and co-creation
• Global connection: Linking Swiss efforts to an international sufficiency network
• Knowledge sharing: Disseminating tools, best practices, and insights across society

Contact: Mashael Yazdanie

Past Projects

Energy Modeling for the Real World: Transforming Modeling Approaches for Sustainable and Resilient Energy Planning (MEASURES)

MEASURES enhances energy system models to reflect the complex realities of low- and middle-income countries. The project develops methods to incorporate factors often overlooked in conventional models, such as informal economies, suppressed energy demand, power sector inefficiencies, and climate change impacts, into urban energy planning. Focused on Accra, Ghana, MEASURES pioneers modeling approaches for more resilient and equitable planning, with applicability across the Global South and beyond.

Contact: Mashael Yazdanie