In global efforts to decarbonise the energy system, great hopes are pinned on the role of hydrogen. By converting electrical energy into chemical energy (Power-to-X), hydrogen can link all sectors of the energy industry.
Hydrogen can be produced in various ways. Climate-neutral and renewable hydrogen is particularly important for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as it is produced from water in an electrolyser using renewable electricity. The electrolyser splits water into its two components oxygen and hydrogen (2H2O -> 2 H2 + O2). When hydrogen is used to generate energy, pure water is produced as a by-product.
It is anticipated that hydrogen and Power-to-X will play an increasingly important role going forward. A few small-scale green hydrogen production plants have been set up in Switzerland in recent years. The hydrogen produced is mainly used in hydrogen fuel cell heavy goods vehicles. The Federal Council adopted the national hydrogen strategy in December 2024. It sets out the framework for developing a hydrogen market in Switzerland.
