Engaging the public is a key part of Grid2050 research, as we seek to ensure a successful energy transition. Citizen Science Zurich (a partnership between the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich) is supporting this effort with a Fr50,000 seed grant, which was formally presented at the UZH Open House on 26 September 2024.  

As energy provision relies ever more on distributed renewable energy sources, we need to understand the behaviour that drives the decision to invest (or not) in photovoltaic technology, and monitor real-world usage. Our project Swiss Solar Stories invites building owners to share their thoughts and experiences, using a specially developed chatbot for nuanced two-way conversations. It’s a more democratic approach to science that enables broader participation, and that we hope will motivate ordinary citizens to get more involved in transforming our energy landscape. 

The grant was awarded to Justus Bernold, the chairman of Walenstadt utility WEW; Gabriela Hug, co-director of the NCCR Automation, and the NCCR’s knowledge and technology transfer officer Benjamin Sawicki; and Pulkit Nahata, the project lead for Grid2050. Ben and Pulkit attended the Open House event to receive the award and present the project to some citizens who also joined.  

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