EDGE at the Energy Research Talks Disentis 2026

02. Feb. 2026

From high-Alpine data to system design: what we learned in Disentis

Moderated by Dr. Ivo Schillig (AlpEnForCe), the event brought together research, biodiversity, municipal and implementation perspectives. Representing EDGE were Prof. Dr. Michael Lehning (EPFL/SLF) and Yael Frischholz (EPFL / Alpole Sion / SLF), contributing insights from modelling, field measurements and high-Alpine test sites. The discussion also included Michael Casanova (Pro Natura), René Epp (Gemeinde Disentis) and Dr. Claudio Deplazes (Provision AG).

From system modelling to snow physics and project implementation, the conversations in Disentis confirmed several key insights that shape EDGE’s work.

Alpine wind and solar remain essential for the winter gap

EDGE modelling shows that a future Swiss energy system with around 45 TWh from wind and solar can operate in a balanced way if hydropower is optimally integrated. The combination of (Alpine) wind and solar remains key, especially to address Switzerland’s winter electricity gap. Alpine PV shifts part of production into winter months, while wind contributes complementary generation patterns.

Field evidence supports the modelling perspective. Experiences from the first large high-Alpine PV plants show significant learning effects during implementation. In Sedrun, for example, installation time for panels has decreased by a factor of five as teams refined procedures and optimised workflows. While overall project costs remain sensitive to factors such as steel prices, discussions in Disentis highlighted the potential of alternative design solutions, including wood-based constructions and site-specific engineering choices. For EDGE, these practical insights reinforce the importance of careful site assessment, adaptive design and continuous learning rather than evaluating projects in isolation.

Complementarity is real – but must be embedded in system design

Data from the La Stadera test installation presented by Michael Lehning show strong short-term complementarity between wind and solar production. However, annual complementarity is not perfect, and seasonal mismatches remain.

For EDGE, this reinforces a core message: complementarity becomes valuable only when integrated with hydropower optimisation, spatial planning and potential storage solutions. System value does not emerge automatically; it must be designed.

Snow is a controllable engineering parameter

Insights from the Alpine PV plant at Muttsee confirm the expected winter production shift. Snow increases albedo and can enhance yield. At the same time, burial effects and interference height can create temporary or, in extreme winters, significant losses. The key learning discussed in Disentis aligns with EDGE’s research: Smart design prevents many snow-related problems.

Careful consideration of panel inclination, mounting height and geometry can reduce risks and lower costs. Snow climatology is not simply an obstacle. It is a design input variable. Wind-driven snow redistribution and interference height must be integrated early in the engineering phase.

Climate and biodiversity must be planned together

From a biodiversity perspective, Alpine areas remain comparatively less disturbed than many other Swiss landscapes. This increases both their ecological value and planning responsibility. The discussion with Pro Natura and local stakeholders confirmed what EDGE modelling consistently shows: project-level conflicts are often symptoms of missing higher-level spatial coordination. Early integration of protection and use criteria, high-quality baseline data and transparent assessment processes are crucial. Projects located in already impacted areas, such as existing infrastructure sites, illustrate that biodiversity-compatible development is possible.

For EDGE, integrated planning is not an optional add-on. It is foundational.

Implementation is as critical as modelling

The contribution from the developer perspective highlighted the practical challenges of Alpine projects: complex permitting processes, logistics in mountainous terrain, risk management and cost control. Steel price volatility remains a concern. Alternative structural approaches, including wood-based constructions, are being explored in projects such as Prafleuri.

From EDGE’s perspective, real-world feedback from implementation is invaluable. It sharpens our modelling assumptions and improves future site selection, optimisation strategies and cost assessments.

Conclusions

The key takeaways from the Energy Research Talks were the following:

Alpine wind and solar are technically feasible.
They generate measurable winter system value.
Snow-related challenges can be mitigated through smart design.
Biodiversity protection and renewable deployment must be co-designed.
Implementation realities must inform modelling.

EDGE works precisely at this interface: linking system modeling with field data, engineering insight and spatial planning. EDGE works precisely at this interface: linking system modeling with field data, engineering insight and spatial planning.