What kind of energy independence for Switzerland, its regions and its companies? This is the main theme of the Event Smart Energy, to be held for the 14th consecutive year in Sion on August 29 and 30. This event is an ideal opportunity to discuss the role of state and economic players in relation to energy independence. A VIP evening, featuring national councillor Roger Nordmann, will open the show, before Friday morning’s conferences and a national start-up pitch. Tickets are now available !
The world’s energy supply has been turned upside down in recent years. In the wake of the Fukushima accident, the turbulence of Covid-19 and the outbreak of war in Ukraine, every country has had to ensure that it has the energy supplies it needs to keep its economy running and its people happy. The balance has thus shifted, by opportunity. And these changes have been felt not only in every country, but also in every region, city and company. The impact is also felt by ordinary citizens.
What role do renewable energies play in this new context? How can we ensure energy independence at every level and ensure that decisions can be taken locally, or at least regionally? For its 14th edition, the Smart Energy Event will present visions and concrete solutions applied at different levels. It’s also an opportunity to discuss interdependencies and the role to be played by each.
Roger Nordmann and his book on the energy emergency
The event opens on Thursday evening with a plenary lecture by Roger Nordmann. The National Councillor, an expert on Swiss energy policy, recently wrote a best-selling book entitled “Urgence énergie et climat“. He will present the challenges and stakes of our country’s security of supply. The conference will conclude with a convivial moment of networking over a meal (only for participants who have subscribed to the meal and/or hotel package).
Friday morning will be devoted to the theme of energy independence, with Benoît Revaz, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, and Joël Fournier, Head of the Valais Department of Energy and Hydraulic Power, among others. Industry and SMEs will also be represented, with speakers from Novelis, CIMO and Studer Innotec.
The start-up pitch returns
Building on its success in 2023, the start-up pitch competition returns this year. No fewer than 10 start-ups from all over Switzerland will be presenting themselves to participants and competing for three prizes (Best Pitch, Best Innovation and Audience Prize) worth CHF 3,000 each. The selection of start-ups will be announced on June 20.
Tickets for the event are now available. Don’t wait too long to secure your seat. Seating at Sion’s Aula Energypolis is limited, and last year’s event was a sell-out.
We are co-organizing the Smart Energy Event with The Ark Foundation. The event is supported by FMV (main sponsor), OIKEN, Service valaisan de l’énergie et des forces hydrauliques, Siemens, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, EPFL Valais and HES-SO Valais-Wallis.
Further information and registration : www.eventsmartenergy.ch
