The Swiss Federal Administration adopted its national hydrogen strategy on December 13. It projects H2 demand of 0.8 to 1.8 TWh by 2030. The plan aims to meet H2 demand through domestic production by the mid-2030s. Initial projects like the new 2-MW electrolyzer by Axpo Group in Bürglen demonstrate practical implementation.
By the mid-2030s, Switzerland plans to meet its demand primarily through domestic production. This will mainly take place at existing power plants or directly at major consumers to minimize infrastructure costs. The strategy focuses on creating hydrogen and multi-energy hubs in industrial areas, where energy suppliers and industrial companies can produce hydrogen for on-site use or distribution.
From 2035, the Federal Council expects a significant increase in demand that will exceed domestic production capacity. By 2050, demand could reach 3.6 to 10 TWh. However, this estimate is "very uncertain, as industrial companies don't yet know which renewable energy sources they will rely on in the future, and it's unclear what share fuel cell vehicles will have in mobility. Future hydrogen demand must be regularly reassessed.
For high H2 demand scenarios in 2050, Switzerland is focusing on pipeline-bound H2 imports: By the end of 2025, the Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (UVEK) will examine connection to the European hydrogen network. The planned H2 conversion of the existing transport pipeline from Germany and France through Switzerland to Italy plays a central role.
Cantons Develop Regional H2 Concepts
In implementing its strategy, Switzerland also relies on public funding: Domestic hydrogen production and storage will be supported through the Climate and Innovation Act for six years. The strategy also aims to strengthen Switzerland's H2 economy along the entire value chain. Through developing the necessary technologies, the government also aims to strengthen "Switzerland as an education and innovation hub."
The cantons play a key role: They are called upon to develop their own hydrogen strategies and reduce bureaucratic barriers. Together with the energy sector, they should also strengthen education and training to address the expected skilled worker shortage in the H2 sector.
Special attention is paid to infrastructure: UVEK plans to develop a concept to provide hydrogen fueling stations for heavy-duty transport on all major national roads. Additionally, UVEK plans to discuss future storage infrastructure at a "round table" with all relevant stakeholders. The hydrogen strategy available here is based on the report "Hydrogen: Analysis and Options for Action for Switzerland." The Federal Council approved it on November 15, 2023.
Energy Sector Launches Initial Projects
While politicians set the framework conditions, some companies are already working on implementation. Switzerland's largest energy provider Axpo broke ground for a 2-MW electrolyzer in Bürglen (Canton Uri) on December 13. The facility is expected to produce up to 260 tons of hydrogen annually from 2026. Customers include a hydrogen-powered passenger ship on Lake Lucerne.
Axpo announced plans for the project in February. The immediate proximity between production and consumption demonstrates the pragmatism envisioned in the Swiss Confederation's H2 strategy. At the end of April, Axpo commissioned Switzerland's currently largest electrolyzer: The 2.5-MW facility is located in Canton Graubünden and draws its power from a neighboring run-of-river power plant.
