Online game brings the energy transition to life

Switzerland has committed to converting its energy system to net zero by 2050. A central element of this is the expansion of renewable energies. Researchers at the University of Bern and the Università della Svizzera italiana have developed the SWEET project as part of the federal funding program. Online game "Ensured Energy" in which participants can simulate and control Switzerland's energy supply over the next 30 years. The game is designed to increase understanding of the complex interrelationships within Swiss energy policy.

Energy transition brought to life

In "Ensured Energy", players make decisions on energy infrastructure, electricity imports and political measures and directly see the effects of their choices on the security of supply. Unexpected events also occur, such as extreme weather conditions or fluctuating energy prices.

Focus on opinion-forming

The project was led by Isabelle Stadelmann-Steffen, Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Bern. Her team provided the thematic foundations, while the researchers at the Università della Svizzera italiana were responsible for the game design, model development and technical implementation. "Our aim is for the game to make it easier for players to form an opinion on energy policy alternatives on the path to net zero," explains Stadelmann-Steffen.

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is financially supporting the game as part of the SWEET consortium "Sustainable and Resilient Energy for Switzerland" (SURE), which is researching sustainable energy solutions for Switzerland. The game is also part of a population survey that is investigating whether such interactive offers strengthen opinion-forming and confidence in one's own ability to act on the energy transition. The results of this study are not yet available.