Framework agreement with EU failed
On 26 May 2021, the Federal Council evaluated the overall outcome of negotiations on the Institutional Agreement (InstA) with the EU. As a result, it concluded that substantial differences still exist and that the conditions for concluding the negotiations thus cannot been met. This applies in particular to the EU Citizens' Rights Directive, wage protection, and state aid.
The InstA with the EU was therefore not signed and the negotiations ended. However, the Federal Council believes that Switzerland and the EU have a common interest in continuing the tried-and-tested bilateral cooperation and applying the current agreements consistently. It therefore intends to enter into a political dialogue with the EU regarding further cooperation.
"InstA would have fundamentally changed relations with the EU."
The InstA would have fundamentally changed the relationship of Switzerland and the EU. Dynamic adoption of legislation would have been introduced in the area of market access agreements. Furthermore, the agreement would have led to a dispute settlement procedure through court of arbitration. The European Court of Justice would have been involved wherever the interpretation of EU legislation was concerned.
The fact that negotiations ended also has consequences for Switzerland's electricity policy. Although the country is integrated into the European interconnected grid like no other and is an electricity hub in the heart of Europe, an electricity agreement with the EU would have been extremely important. This is because equal access to Europe's internal electricity market is not possible as a separate item but only as a menu item of an institutional agreement.
Many questions remain unanswered
A lot of questions remain, but the effects of the failed negotiations could hit Switzerland hard. Without an electricity agreement, Switzerland is jeopardizing its current high level of grid and system stability, and import capacities could be massively cut from the outside, possibly leading to blackouts.
Olivier Schneider, Research Assistant, Primeo Energie
Next steps in climate policy
The Federal Council decided on the next steps in the climate policy. Following the vote against the revised CO2 Act by the electorate on 13 June 2021, the Federal Council sent a new bill for consultation at the end of 2021.
It wanted to create the broadest possible basis for future climate policy while still adhering to its climate policy goals: Switzerland is set to halve its emissions by 2030 compared with 1990. The focus is on measures that enable the population to reduce CO2 emissions in their everyday lives.
Key figures of the bill
The bill contained the following:
- The basis is the current CO2 law.
- No new taxes. Current instruments remain in place.
- New financial incentives to avoid bad investments and reinforce current developments.
- Temporary exemption at the legislative level aims to create legal certainty for the sector.
- Additional support for the building and mobility sectors, as well as for public transport, with the aim of supporting current efforts by the population and that sector.
- New: More companies should exempt themselves from the CO2 tax if, in return, they commit to reducing their emissions.
- The various measures make it possible to reach the 50% reduction goal by 2030. The exact relationship between domestic and foreign compensations is yet to be determined. By concluding various bilateral agreements, Switzerland has created the prerequisites for compensation projects abroad.
Targeted additional measures in the energy sector
Efforts concerning the climate are being accompanied by targeted measures in the energy sector, such as the Federal Council's dispatch on the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources of 18 June 2021. With this proposal, the Federal Council wanted to further expand the use of domestic renewable energies and strengthen Switzerland's reliability of supply.
Olivier Schneider, Research Assistant, Primeo Energie
Primeo Energie placed its first Green Bond issue for renewable energies, energy efficiency, electromobility and green buildings on 8 September 2021.
Green Bond successfully listed on the stock exchange
Primeo Energie placed its first Green Bond issue on the Swiss capital market on 8 September 2021. The net proceeds from this fixed-interest bond of CHF 100 million will be used as part of the Green Bond Framework for renewable energies, energy efficiency, electromobility and green buildings.
The energy sector is changing at a rapid pace. Key drivers are climate protection and decarbonisation. Primeo Energie sees itself as part of the solution and has been contributing to comprehensive sustainability for years. Primeo Energie emphasises its commitment to the environment, humanity and society with its newly placed Green Bond.
The company supports the Federal Government's climate strategy
Stephan Naef, CFO Primeo Energie: "Primeo Energie supports the Federal Government's climate strategy and, with the Green Bond, is committed to using the funds raised on the capital market to finance sustainable projects of the Primeo Energie Group. We will report regularly on the use of the funds."
The selection of projects in which the money is used is closely in line with Primeo Energie's corporate and sustainability strategy. It takes into account the approach of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which ensures a continuous reduction scenario for climate-relevant emissions.
Exceptionally favourable terms
The Primeo Holding AG bond is guaranteed by the EBM (Elektra Birseck cooperative). The term is eight years with an annual interest coupon of 0.10%. Stephan Naef: "We have received the CHF 100 million on exceptionally favourable terms." The issue was jointly managed by the Zurich Cantonal Bank, Basellandschaft Cantonal Bank and the Basel Cantonal Bank.
The payment date of the bond was 28 September 2021. The Green Bond Framework, the second party opinion, and the investor presentation are available online.
Joachim Krebs, Head of Corporate Communications, Primeo Energie
Markets are extremely jittery at the moment
The recent events in the energy market have never before been witnessed in this manner, with prices reaching record highs within a short time. An interview with Daniel Richter, Senior Energy Trader at Primeo Energie, about the all-time high of energy prices and the respective reasons.
Mr Richter, what was the main driver of the price increase?
The main driver was, is and will continue to be gas. In Europe, there was recently a shortfall of at least 200 TWh in gas storage facilities. And we had no LNG imports. In September, imports in Europe were almost 20% lower than in August. While gas prices were still around 35 or 40 euro per MWh in July, they rose to over 150 euro in September. And this in turn has had an effect on electricity prices and drove up costs.
Why was no LNG imported?
The LNG tankers unloaded their tanks, but mainly in Asia. China has increased its imports by 17%, which corresponds to 8.8 billion cubic meters.
What are the reasons?
The reason is quite simple: The Japan Korea Marker (JKM) had an average price of 68.61 EUR/MWh in September. But the Title Transfer Facility (TTF) market area was worth 66.00 euro per MWh. If the TTF were to be above the JKM, more LNG tankers would again be unloading in Europe.
In the meantime, the situation has eased again.
Yes, Russia as the main supplier, has said it wants to supply more again. It had previously artificially reduced the supply. In addition, the price of CO2, which at times was all the way at around 65 euro, has again dropped.
Is this easing in prices sustainable?
The markets are extremely jittery at the moment. Nobody really knows what's going on. Gas storage is still low. And then there is the question of how the winter will develop. If it's mild, then there's no problem, but it might also be harsh. We're riding on a knife edge right now.
What can energy customers do to protect against such price fluctuations?
Price increases per se are unavoidable – after all, this is a global market. As a customer, your only option is not to buy on the cut-off date, but in a structured manner over several points in time. If you buy over five or six points in time, you are less exposed to price fluctuations, which is exactly how Primeo Energie has always purchased.
Daniel Richter, Energy Trader, Primeo Energie
Viktor Sammain, PR Editor, Primeo Energie
Primeo Energie, EBL and Mobility launch an e-mobility package for major construction projects
Primeo Energie, EBL (Elektra Baselland cooperative), and the car-sharing provider Mobility have joined forces to offer investors, planners and architects of major construction projects a complete electric mobility package.
Primeo Energie, EBL, and Mobility are securing the e-charging infrastructure, supplying it with 100% renewable energy, and installing a wide range of electric vehicles at the locations – from the Renault Zoe, to the ID.3, all the way to the Tesla Model 3. Residents who are Mobility members will be able to use the e-cars locally and throughout Switzerland.
Get more people to use e-mobility
The aim of this initiative is, on the one hand, for more and more people to share e-mobility. On the other hand, there must be more options for users to get an electric vehicle just when they need it. And last but not least, the number of second vehicles can also be reduced through this offer.
Access to e-mobility thus becomes considerably easier and has fewer obstacles, and there will be less bias against electric vehicles. And this means building owners can make very attractive offers to apartment buyers and tenants when it comes to e-mobility.
Powered by solar energy
Primeo Energie, EBL, and Mobility started to work together in October 2020. Since then, several electric vehicles have already been used in residential areas that follow the PCA model. PCA stands for private consumption alliance. Climate-friendly solar energy is produced and used locally, for example in electromobility, which is integrated into the PCA.
The experience so far has been very gratifying. The vehicles are being well used, and many residents have become members. By the way, more and more Primeo Energie and EBL employees are now also using Mobility vehicles. Purely electric ones, of course.
Joachim Krebs, Head of Corporate Communications, Primeo Energie
Save energy and costs with the SME model
In times of rising energy prices, the question of how to save energy and reduce costs is of key importance. One solution for small and medium size enterprises is the SME model, with which the Energy Agency of the Swiss Private Sector (EnAW) offers a simple energy-saving system. Primeo Energie's consultants can actively support companies in this regard.
The SME model was launched by Economiesuisse in cooperation with the Federal Office of Energy and the Federal Office for the Environment to improve energy efficiency with the help of specific measures and reduce the CO2 emissions of companies.
Our consultants will help you find customised solutions
Such solutions can be structural measures or adaptations to building services or components within a production process. Following an on-site inspection, our consultants will help you find customised solutions to help save energy. A target agreement will then be drawn up with the EnAW, the implementation of which will be accompanied by regular monitoring and reporting.
With these measures, which need to be implemented within ten years, a company can save costs, be exempted from the CO2 tax, and at the same time improve its image. In addition, there are grants for projects in the field of energy efficiency.
Viktor Sammain, PR Editor, Primeo Energie
Innovative heating and cooling solutions for large sites
The "Innovationsgarage" is located in the West multi-storey car park, which is part of the new BaseLink technology site in Allschwil. Deep down in the belly of the building you will find bright lights, white corridors, enormous machines behind heavy doors, and lots of pipes, signs, and blinking lights. It is one of Primeo Energie's two energy centres that supply the site with heating and cooling. And they do so in an innovative manner, in line with the name of the car park.
Fully renewable energy
The two energy centres under the West and the East multi-storey car parks produce 100% renewable energy. In this case, they tap into the heat from underground. Some 225 probes were drilled into the ground, each one extending down some 280 metres. Water flows into the probes, which are a closed system. The earth heats the water, and a heat pump then raises the temperature further. The water is then fed into the buildings on the site via a broad pipe system.
The first system under the West car park went into operation in early May 2021. The main customer is the Tropical Institute, which is supplied not only with heat but also with cooling and electricity. The energy centre under the East car park was added a bit later. BaseLink is then fully supplied. The two Primeo Energie heating centres each consist of three heat pumps, each with an output of 1,800 kilowatts of heating and 1,500 kilowatts of cooling.
The electricity comes from Primeo as well
In addition to heating and cooling, Primeo Energie supplies the electricity for the 75,000 square metre site. This, too, comes from renewable sources.
Altogether, Primeo Energie operates 221 heating networks and heating systems in Switzerland and France. In addition to BaseLink, other important projects in Switzerland currently include the underground heating station in Neuallschwil and the installation of a second heat pump at Polyfeld Muttenz.
Viktor Sammain, PR Editor, Primeo Energie
All-in-one eCommerce solution plus CO2 compensation
Primeo Energie has been offering a full-service eCommerce solution for electricity supply companies and other business customers since 2019. The entire process is carried out as a white-label solution on behalf of the customer – from the operation of the systems all the way to product management and customer service. To make the offer more sustainable, we are enabling climate-compensated shopping in cooperation with our partner South Pole.
The cradle-to-grave approach serves as the basis for calculating CO2 emissions. It also takes into account the average lifespan and subsequent disposal of the product. Emissions are calculated based on the recommendations and principles of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and the ISO 14040 standard for life cycle analyses.
"We offset the CO2 emissions of our products by investing in our partner South Pole's recognised climate protection projects around the world, such as the Isangi rainforest in the Congo or the wind farms in New Caledonia."
These climate protection projects aim to compensate greenhouse gas emissions or extract CO2 from the atmosphere and bind it. They also contribute to sustainable development and add value for the local population, for example through access to jobs, clean drinking water, and education.
In Primeo Energie's online shop, the CO2 emissions of all ordered products have been offset since May 2021, at no extra charge for end consumers and throughout the product life cycle. Are you interested in a climate-neutral shop that we operate on your behalf for your end consumers? Learn more about CO2 compensation here. If you are interested, please email us at ecommerce@primeo-energie.ch.
Michael Braun-Neidinger, Project Manager E-Commerce, Primeo Energie
Primeo Energie and MOVE add momentum to e-mobility
Electromobility has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Sales of battery-powered bicycles, scooters, and cars are booming, and even traditional makers such as Volkswagen and Audi are increasingly switching to electric vehicles.
This is why the topic of e-mobility is of key significance at Primeo Energie. From consulting to the construction of charging infrastructure and billing, Primeo Energie offers customers comprehensive, turnkey solutions from a single source.
Primeo Energie is broadly positioned in e-mobility
The road to sustainable mobility is via electromobility. Primeo Energie, for example, holds a stake in Pick-e-Bike, the e-bike and e-scooter sharing service for users in and around Basel and, more recently in Aubonne in the Canton of Vaud.
Primeo Energie also wants to make life as easy and convenient as possible for drivers of electric cars. To this end, it worked with other energy service providers to found the charging network operator MOVE. The aim is to provide a standardised, convenient charging network for electric cars with straightforward billing.
Driving from Gothenburg to Palermo in an electric car with no worries
The MOVE grid is available not just in Switzerland but in many European countries. "Customers expect to be able to drive from Gothenburg to Palermo in an electric car without any worries," says Daniel Laager, Head of E-Mobility at Primeo Energie.
Last year, Primeo Energie started to install fast-charging stations at Swiss motorway rest areas. The first one was opened in June 2020 at the Inseli service station. This makes the company an important pillar on the 2022 national roadmap for promoting e-mobility in Switzerland. In addition to the construction and maintenance of the charging infrastructure, Primeo Energie also provides interested parties with answers relating to e-mobility, such as charging at home or setting up a charging network in a large residential area. You can also find a lot of information on these topics on our expert blog (blog.primeo-energie.ch).
Daniel Laager, Head of E-Mobility, Primeo Energie
Smart living with the PCA
Primeo Energie is making life smarter. This is our slogan and thus our promise. And we deliver on this promise in smart neighbourhoods. A private consumption alliance, or PCA for short, is the means to an end.
An alliance can be set up for individual buildings, groups of houses or commercial sites. "PCA participants, such as tenants, condominium owners or traders, join forces and produce their own electricity using a solar system on the roof," explains Philipp Bösiger. He is a prosumer specialist at Primeo Energie. This type of cooperation is sustainable and good for your bank account.
PCA and PCA plus
In addition to PCA, Primeo Energie also offers PCA Plus. This includes the concept of sharing, which in turn plays a major role in the concept of smart neighbourhoods. Primeo Energie, for example, provides the charging infrastructure for electromobility and takes care of load management and billing. Thanks to its partnership with the car sharing provider Mobility, Primeo Energie can also offer complete e-mobility packages to properties. Other solutions such as the Pick-e-Bike bike sharing system can also be integrated.
PCAs have been around since 2018 and are part of the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050. Primeo Energie supports this strategy and is therefore a proponent of this issue. Approximately 100 Primeo Energie PCAs are currently in operation or in the pipeline throughout Switzerland.
PCA soon to be standard for new buildings
PCAs are now offered by various companies. Primeo Energie is one of the frontrunners and cooperates with smaller, local electricity service providers who want to offer PCAs to their customers. Looking to the future, Philipp Bösiger is certain: "PCA will soon be the standard for new buildings, as well as after energy-efficient building renovations."
Viktor Sammain, PR Editor, Primeo Energie
The right answers to energy-efficient heating
Primeo Energie is now also offering what is called impetus consultation on renewable heating for large apartment buildings. Consultancy engineer Petra Tanner has just completed her training in this field. She can now provide owners of apartment buildings of more than six units with the right answers to their questions about the best, most energy-efficient heating systems.
"Impetus consulting as part of the 2050 Energy Strategy"
Impetus consulting has been available since January 2020. It is part of the Federal Government's Energy Strategy 2050, which aims, among other things, to make homes and heating systems more energy-efficient. In this context, impetus consulting means underscoring the benefits of new, energy-saving heating systems. It explains how to go about switching from fossil-fuelled to renewable heating, how much it all costs, and where money can be saved.
The website www.erneuerbarheizen.ch has extensive information on the topic as well as a comparison calculator. All impetus consultants are also listed here. Simply enter your postcode to see the list of contacts in the area.
Primeo Energie covers the entire range of consulting services
Primeo Energie now covers the entire spectrum of impulse advice on renewable heating. Besides Petra Tanner, the company's impetus specialists are Stefanie Maier-Stecher and Rolf Kern.
The Canton of Basellandschaft provides CHF 350 in support for consulting on building heating, with a brief consultancy costing around CHF 800. The money provided by the Canton comes from the federal fund and from the Basel region energy package. Primeo Energie, in turn, contributes financially to the programme as an energy package partner. An impetus consultation can be ordered via the Primeo Energie website or the website of the Baselland energy package.
Viktor Sammain, PR Editor, Primeo Energie
Primeo Energie was the leading partner of ESAF 2022 in Pratteln
2022 was an important year for Primeo Energie, as the company is having its 125th anniversary. We wanted to celebrate this in a fitting manner and as the leading partner decided to organise the Swiss Federal Wrestling and Alpine Festival (ESAF), which took place in Pratteln from 26 until 28 August 2022.
Tradition and the future – two strong pillars that carry Primeo Energie's values and characterise wrestling as a sport. We have been supplying our customers reliably with energy for 125 years and nurturing the next generation at the same time. Smart, future-oriented thinking and action are our top priority.
Committed to the next generation for many years
This thought goes far beyond the workplace itself: For many years, Primeo Energie has been committed to promoting sport, especially young sports talent in our supply area and wrestlers. As a company with strong local ties, we regularly support wrestling festivals in north-western Switzerland.
For the ESAF Pratteln in the Basel region, we were able to win one of the top wrestlers from the region as a partner: Roger Erb from Metzerlen, bearer of 34 crowns, was there with us as an expert for the entire time. "I Love Wrestling" is the slogan for the anniversary and the ESAF year 2022.
Reto Schaltenbrand, Communication and Sponsorship, Primeo Energie
