CASE STUDIES

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Canton Ticino: Regional Energy Transition
The Canton Ticino case study explores the regional application of energy transition strategies using the methods and tools developed by the SURE consortium. The objective is to align regional policies with federal sustainability and resilience goals, while ensuring they reflect local aspirations and needs. Key activities include:
    1. Simulation and scenario development: a System Dynamics model is used to explore different policy pathways, shocks, and long-term outcomes.
    2. Stakeholder engagement: a participatory process helps local actors explore the energy future of the canton and evaluate trade-offs.
    3. Evidence-based recommendations: insights from the regional model are aligned with national scenarios to support informed decision-making and foster a resilient, sustainable energy system in Ticino.
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Urban and Sub-Urban Scale: The Case of Zurich
Focusing on Zurich, this case study addresses the resilience and sustainability of urban energy systems in Switzerland. It combines technical modeling with legal analysis to examine the complex needs of urban energy planning. Highlights include:
    1. Quantitative modeling with GridPLAN: heat demand and supply scenarios were simulated using the GridPLAN tool, offering dynamic planning capabilities for multi-energy grids.
    2. Legal and institutional review: the study evaluates the legal framework for integrating resilience and sustainability at the city level, including competition law and state services.
    3. Interactive planning tool: a web-based interface allows users to test energy planning parameters and visualize outcomes, helping to bridge technical findings and policymaking.
    4. Stakeholder outreach: insights are disseminated through workshops and collaborative sessions to support practical implementation.
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Transport and Energy-Intensive Industries
This dual case study explores two critical sectors for Switzerland’s energy future: transport (in collaboration with SBB) and heavy industry (focusing on process heat demand).
    1. Resilience assessment: reviews SBB’s operational strategies, including their robust “5-minute restoration” concept, and evaluates their contribution to national grid resilience.
    2. Grid flexibility analysis: models how SBB’s spatially distributed grid connections could reduce peak loading on Swissgrid by up to 27%, especially as electrification increases.
    3. Scenario-based planning: utilizes the FlexECO model to assess the future impact of optimized coordination between SBB and the national grid.
    4. Industry Case (Basel Region)
    5. Decarbonization pathways: examines process heat in high-demand sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
    6. Technology potential: evaluates solutions such as hydrogen, high-temperature heat pumps, wood-based energy, and renewable gases.
    7. Policy and legal framework: provides policy recommendations and legal insights to support the industry’s sustainable transition, using interviews, surveys, and quantitative tools.

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