Paul Scherrer Institute Study Identifies Biomethane as Key to Strengthening Switzerland Energy Independence

Paul Scherrer Institute Study Identifies Biomethane as Key to Strengthening Switzerland Energy Independence

(IN BRIEF) A study led by the Paul Scherrer Institute finds that Switzerland could significantly reduce its reliance on imported gas by expanding the use of domestically produced biomethane derived from biomass such as wood waste, sewage sludge, and green waste. Commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the research shows that up to 25–50% of future gas demand could be met through local production, while overall demand is expected to decline due to increased electrification. The study outlines a system-wide approach that combines energy efficiency improvements with expanded biomethane production, highlighting the importance of optimizing resource use across sectors. While full self-sufficiency is unlikely, the approach could improve energy security, stabilize costs, and reduce emissions, supporting Switzerland’s long-term energy transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) VILLIGEN, 16-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Paul Scherrer Institute has presented new research highlighting the significant potential of domestic biomethane to strengthen Switzerland’s energy independence and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The study, conducted in collaboration with Verenum AG and commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, examines how biomass resources could play a central role in the country’s future energy system.

Amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets, rising fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty are placing increasing pressure on national economies. Researchers involved in the study point to domestic energy solutions as a way to mitigate these risks. By utilizing locally available biomass such as wood residues, green waste, and sewage sludge, Switzerland could significantly reduce its dependence on imported gas while also lowering carbon emissions.

The findings suggest that technologies including wood gasification and biogas production could supply a substantial share of Switzerland’s future gas demand. At the same time, overall demand for gas is expected to decline considerably—potentially by three to five times—due to the transition toward more efficient electrified systems such as heat pumps.

Tilman Schildhauer, a chemical engineer at the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the importance of taking a system-wide perspective when evaluating energy solutions. His research focuses on methanation and power-to-X technologies, which enable the conversion of biomass-derived gases into biomethane suitable for injection into existing gas infrastructure.

The study outlines a two-step pathway to reducing dependency on imported gas. First, broader adoption of efficient electrical technologies would lower overall gas consumption. Second, maximizing the production of biomethane from domestic biomass would help replace a significant portion of the remaining demand.

Despite these opportunities, complete energy self-sufficiency is not considered achievable. However, researchers estimate that between one quarter and one half of Switzerland’s future gas needs could be met through domestic biomethane production. The remaining demand could be sourced from neighboring European countries with greater agricultural and forestry resources, reducing the need for long-distance imports.

Christian Bauer, a co-author of the study and specialist in life cycle assessment at PSI, noted that gas will continue to play a role in several critical applications. These include backup power generation during periods of low renewable energy output, as well as high-temperature industrial processes and chemical production, where alternatives remain limited.

The research also highlights the importance of optimizing how biomass is used across the energy system. Rather than applying resources in isolation, a coordinated approach is needed to ensure that biomass is directed to applications where it delivers the greatest value. For example, using wood for low-temperature heating may be less efficient than reserving it for industrial processes that require higher energy inputs.

Technically, the production of biomethane involves converting biomass into a gas mixture through gasification, followed by methanation using catalysts to transform carbon compounds into methane. In larger-scale installations, this process can produce high-quality gas that can be fed directly into the grid, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place.

Importantly, the study emphasizes that the biomass used does not compete with food or feed production, as it relies primarily on waste streams that would otherwise remain unused. With many of the required technologies already well-developed, and new systems expected to reach market readiness in the coming years, the transition toward biomethane could be implemented progressively.

Overall, the findings indicate that investing in domestic biomethane production, combined with broader energy system transformation, could enhance Switzerland’s resilience to global market fluctuations while supporting its climate and sustainability goals.

About PSI

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI develops, builds and operates large, complex research facilities and makes them available to the national and international research community. The institute’s own key research priorities are in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether PSI employs 2300 people, thus being the largest research institute in Switzerland. The annual budget amounts to approximately CHF 450 million. PSI is part of the ETH Domain, with the other members being the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, as well as Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research). (Last updated in June 2025).

Technology monitoring. Biomass conversion: gasification, methanation, and pyrolysis

Thomas Nussbaumer, Tilman Schildhauer, Christian Bauer

Federal Office of Energy, 1.1.2026

To the original publication

Further information

Swiss Federal Office of Energy: Federal act on a secure electricity supply

Media Contacts:

Dr. Tilman Schildhauer
PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences
Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
+41 56 310 27 06
tilman.schildhauer@psi.ch

Christian Bauer
PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences
PSI Center for Nuclear Engineering and Sciences
Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
+41 56 310 23 91
christian.bauer@psi.ch

SOURCE: Paul Scherrer Institute