Center for Energy and the Environment
“Fighting climate change and ensuring the provision of clean, affordable energy are among the greatest social challenges of our time. We want to contribute our share.”
Prof. Regina Betz, PhD, Head of Center
The Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) deals with economic and business issues relating to energy and the environment on a national and international level. It cooperates closely with the other ZHAW institutes and centers active in energy research. The CEE worked closely with the Swiss Competence Center for Research in Energy, Society and Transition (SCCER CREST). The center is a member of the Swiss Carbon Removal Platform.
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Competencies
Degree Programs & Continuing Education
Our research results are transferred into practice also within the scope of our activities in the school’s degree programs and further education courses. Our experts pass on their knowledge in the various foundation modules as well as subject-specific modules that form part of the school’s Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and continuing education courses.
Research & Consulting
Our consulting and research activities focus on the question of how to design political and regulatory instruments that promote the increased use of regenerative energy sources, save energy, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we also look for ways to create an electricity market that has a high share of renewable energy. In terms of research methodology, we have not only theoretical analytical competence but also, and above all, knowledge in the field of empirical methods, ranging from statistical and econometric approaches to laboratory and field experiments.
Research Areas
- Design of Policy Instruments and Markets/Auctions
- Ex-post Evaluation of Policy Instruments and Markets
Focus Area
- Climate Policy and Strategies
- Energy Security (Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency, Electricity Markets)
- Local Pollution
- Behaviour of Actors in Environmental and Energy Markets
Regulations and Policy Instruments
- Energy Strategy 2050
- CO2 Act
- European Emissions Trading Directive
- Australian Renewable Energy Certificates Act
- International Climate Agreements
Methods
- Data Analysis Competence (e.g. Econometrics, Cluster, Network)
- Laboratory and Field Experiments
- Theoretical Analysis (e.g. Game Theory, Equilibrium)
- Modelling (e.g. Buttom-up, CGE)
Recipients
- Political Actors (Federal Offices, Cantons, Municipalities)
- Companies, Associations
- Non-Governmental Organisations
Geographic Focus
- Switzerland
- Europe
- International with Focus on China and Australia