Digging deeper

A demonstrator places Valais at the heart of the energy transition

Published:24.11.25 — The new power-to-gas demonstrator installed at the Energypolis campus in Sion will enable engineers to test promising approaches for advancing the energy transition, such as carbon capture and seasonal power storage in the form of gas. The system was developed through a joint initiative involving EPFL, the HES-SO Valais-Wallis School of Engineering and several local businesses.

“In the future, dams will serve a variety of purposes”

Published:09.10.25 — An EPFL engineer has illustrated some of the complex ways in which climate change will affect hydropower facilities, taking the Gries dam in Valais Canton as a case study.

Living differently will help reduce your home's carbon footprint

Published:11.09.25 — An EPFL study measured the carbon footprint of 20’000 residential buildings in Vaud Canton. The authors’ findings show that a targeted approach will be key to lowering the emissions associated with residential real estate.

New liquid can simplify hydrogen transportation and storage

Published:15.07.25 — Researchers at EPFL and Kyoto University have created a stable hydrogen-rich liquid formed by mixing two simple chemicals. This breakthrough could make hydrogen storage easier, safer, and more efficient at room temperature.

EPFL engineers explore new applications for geothermal energy

Published:28.05.25 — EPFL engineers have examined the use of geothermal energy in two very different applications: a metro station and an underground data center. The works had a focus on the internal airflow conditions of these structures and possible optimization of the mechanical ventilation. Each case presents its own set of challenges.

Scalable graphene membranes: a leap for carbon capture

Published:15.04.25 — Scientists at EPFL have developed a scalable method to produce porous graphene membranes that efficiently separate carbon dioxide. The breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and footprint of carbon capture technology.

Strain “trick” improves perovskite solar cells' efficiency

Published:09.04.25 — Researchers at EPFL have found a way to dramatically reducing energy loss and boosting efficiency perovskite solar cells by incorporating rubidium using lattice strain—a slight deformation in the atomic structure that helps keep rubidium in place.

Listen to quantum atoms talk together thanks to acoustics

Published:27.03.25 — To get around the constraints of quantum physics, EPFL researchers have built a new acoustic system to study the way the minuscule atoms of condensed matter talk together. They hope to one day build an acoustic version of a quantum computer.

New study improves the trustworthiness of wind power forecasts

Published:29.01.25 — By applying techniques from explainable artificial intelligence, engineers can improve users’ confidence in forecasts generated by artificial intelligence models. This approach was recently tested on wind power generation by a team that includes experts from EPFL.

Gaznat and EPFL sign new agreement for cutting carbon emissions

Published:13.12.24 — Gaznat and EPFL have just taken their long-standing partnership one step further. The energy company has already sponsored three EPFL research chairs and teamed up with the School on a strategic joint venture to establish a center of excellence in the capture, storage and use of CO2 for the production of synthesis gas. Yesterday the two organizations signed a new framework agreement that will involve issuing additional calls for proposals.