Switzerland’s transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050 increases the importance of system flexibility. Energy storage technologies are expected to play a key role in balancing seasonal mismatches and supporting the integration of renewables. The Energy Perspectives 2050+, published by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, serve as a key planning reference. However, the treatment of energy storage in the scenario documents has not yet been systematically analyzed with regard to its significance for long-term system flexibility. This thesis investigates how energy storage is represented in the assumptions of the ZERO Baseline Scenario. The main research question is: How are current and emerging energy storage technologies represented in the assumptions of the ZERO Baseline Scenario of the Energy Perspectives 2050+? Six relevant assumptions were identified and critically evaluated using a combination of literature review, scenario document analysis, and expert interviews. The results indicate that the majority of the assumptions are plausible in light of current trends. However, decentralized, thermal, and behavioral flexibility options are treated as secondary in the Energy Perspective 2050+. Experts also identified areas of concern regarding sector coupling, innovation uncertainty, and market-based flexibility incentives. The study concludes that the ZERO Baseline Scenario provides a robust but cautious view of energy storage. While appropriate for current planning, it may not fully reflect evolving system needs. This thesis contributes to the broader discussion on storage strategies by showing how scenario assumptions shape the perception of future flexibility requirements.
Janik Obergfell (Wed,) studied this question.