Combustion remains the most important process for converting various energy sources into usable forms (e.g. electricity and heat). Energy forms produced via combustion still represent by far the highest proportion of energy consumption both in Switzerland (75 percent) and throughout the world (85 percent). This primarily concerns the conversion of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. The proportion of renewable energy sources (e.g. wood, biogas, bio-diesel) converted into usable forms via combustion is increasing. Through the incineration of waste, the waste disposal problem can be alleviated and we can also produce utilisable heat and electricity.

The problems associated with combustion are that fossil energy resources are finite and fossil fuels result in CO2 emissions as well as pollutants that are harmful to human beings. The objectives of the Combustion research programme are therefore to increase efficiency levels and thus to reduce consumption and the resulting CO2 emissions, and to prevent and eliminate the emission of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, soot and particulate matter. The programme also aims to promote the necessary modification and improvement of combustion systems for the use of renewable forms of energy.

The production and use of combustion systems are global activities. In Switzerland, combustion research and the involved industry focus on specific aspects such as numeric simulation of combustion processes, injection systems, combustion in medium-sized to large diesel engines, and high-pressure combustion chambers, and their efforts are highly regarded at the international level. Their findings and products are used in numerous countries, and they therefore make a significant global contribution towards the preservation of resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (above all, CO2).