Barometer for renewable gases in Switzerland, edition 5, April 2024

After four editions focusing exclusively on hydrogen, we are now opening the Barometer to renewable methane (synthetically produced or from biogas). Overall, we currently assess the investment climate in Switzerland for renewable methane as better than for hydrogen. A comparison of technology options shows that while existing energy infrastructure can still be used for synthetic methane and biomethane, for hydrogen, the energy yield per available area is greater. In Switzerland, around 8% of total gas consumption comes from self-produced or imported biomethane, a high figure compared internationally. From 2025 onwards (subject to a referendum), the injection of biomethane into the Swiss gas grid will be promoted, which can also help to further exploit the production potential for biogas. In the hydrogen sector, we introduce the newly launched H₂ marginal cost index HySuiX and summarize the importance of the Federal Council's hydrogen “Auslegeordnung”. However, the industry expects major policy decisions only from the Federal Government's hydrogen strategy announced for autumn. These topics are covered in the new Barometer, published by the Swiss Gas Industry Association in collaboration with E-Bridge Consulting and Polynomics. The Barometer is published twice a year and available in German and French. You can receive future issues by registering here: https://gazenergie.ch/de/h2-barometer.