Switzerland has launched a CHF 12 million funding call under the SWEETER program to support research on energy- and resource-efficient industrial processes
The call focuses on recycling and reuse of technologies like solar PV modules, and improving industrial processes to reduce fossil fuel use
Selected consortia will receive funding across two 3-year phases, with pre-proposals due by June 30, 2026
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) have launched a CHF 12 million call to support research into industrial processes that support the energy transition, including those for solar PV modules.
The call for proposals is the 1st to be launched under the SWiss research for the EnErgy Transition and Emissions Reduction (SWEETER) funding instrument of the SFOE, which it is implementing in collaboration with FOEN. It is a funding instrument under SWiss Energy research for the Energy Transition (SWEET), through which the government aims to fund solution-oriented research and innovation activities.
Funding under the SWEETER program is available for consortium projects and that comprehensively address central research topics of the Energy Strategy 2050, and the country’s long-term climate strategy. For the initial call, the budget is under CHF 12 million.
The theme for this call is energy- and resource-efficient industrial processes, covering 2 research challenges. One focuses on the reuse, repurposing, remanufacturing, and recycling of components such as solar modules, batteries, heat pumps, and electrolyzers.
The aim will be to use materials as efficiently as possible, recover valuable substances, and reduce environmental impact. Notably, in 2024, the Swiss Federal Council rejected plans to support industrial solar PV expansion, stating that the country’s R&D is well-positioned to contribute to the European PV industry (see No Plans For Switzerland To Support Industrial PV Production).
The other challenge, as identified under SWEETER, relates to improving industrial processes that currently lack practical commercial solutions, so they can be shifted away from fossil fuels through further research and innovation.
Currently, industrial process heat accounts for more than 55% of the industrial sector’s total final energy consumption. Fossil-fuel-generated electricity is responsible for 50% of this heat. This contributes to approximately 15% of national carbon emissions.
Under the funding call launched, the government seeks proposals that address these challenges. It is open to consortia of companies and non-academic organizations.
Highest-ranking pre-proposals will be invited to submit full proposals and receive funding support. The total budget of CHF 12 million will be split over two 3-year phases with an interim review between the periods.
The proposals may be submitted till June 30, 2026. Details of the call launched on April 16, 2026, are available on the SFOE’s website.
A recent Swissgrid-led white paper explores how the country can best integrate up to 40 GW of solar PV capacity to the grid (see Switzerland Explores Grid-Friendly Integration Of 40 GW Solar).
