Open student projects

This project aims to assess the feasibility and potential of seasonal thermal energy storage systems in the Pfannenstiel region. The research will follow a structured, multi-step approach: 1. Literature review: Conduct a guided review of existing seasonal heat storage technologies and their applications in Switzerland and internationally. For a few selected case study municipalities, analyse the current heat supply systems, including demand profiles, existing infrastructure, and potential integration with district heating networks. 2. Spatial and technical assessment: Identify and evaluate suitable locations for seasonal heat storage systems using geospatial analysis. This includes assessing local heat demand, available renewable heat sources (e.g., solar thermal, waste heat), site-specific constraints and centralized and decentralized storage options (e.g., borehole storage, ice storage). In addition to public data, detailed geospatial heat demand data will be provided for the project. 3. Techno-economic and environmental evaluation: Develop a method to assess the economic viability and environmental impacts of selected storage configurations. This includes scenario analysis of selected heat supply technologies and estimation of potential CO₂ emission reductions. The approach may include a combination of energy system modelling and multi-criteria decision analysis, whereby the method would need to be elaborated during the project. 4. Implementation barriers and recommendations: Based on the findings, derive recommendations for municipalities and utilities to support decision-making and future implementation.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with local decision makers; in other words, your thesis insights and decision-support tools will facilitate the integration of seasonal heat storage in a real-world context. On the one hand, you would obtain input from these local stakeholders, on the other hand your research would flow into and support their decision-making process.

For applying, please forward your CV and transcript to Dr. Fabian Heymann, fheymann@ethz.ch

This project aims to develop a cross-country analytical dataset capturing the degree of dependency on digital technologies within energy systems, and to compare results using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The research will follow four stages: 1. Data and literature review: Identify relevant digital dependency indicators through a systematic review of energy system digitalisation, digital sovereignty, and energy governance literature. 2. Dataset construction: Select several countries at least (3-5 countries) and build a harmonised dataset describing their digital technology reliance across key energy system domains (generation, grids, markets, system operation, and customer-side technologies). Indicators may include reliance on foreign software providers, cloud infrastructures, data and smart meter penetration. 3. MCDA assessment: Apply a multi-criteria decision analysis framework to evaluate and compare countries’ digital sovereignty profiles. This may include weighting schemes, sensitivity analysis, and scenario-based evaluations. 4. Interpretation and policy recommendation: Analyse cross-country differences, identify main drivers of digital dependency, and discuss strategic implications for energy system planning and policy recommendations.

This thesis addresses the need for structured methods to evaluate digital dependency and assess its implications for energy system resilience and national energy strategies.

For applying, please forward your CV and transcript to Dr. Fabian Heymann, fheymann@ethz.ch