Zurich, February 19, 2025 – The Swiss Power-to-X Collaborative Innovation Network (SPIN), in collaboration with evAI Intelligence, has conducted a comprehensive AI-driven analysis of the public perception and discourse surrounding Power-to-X (PtX) in Switzerland. The findings reveal that Power-to-X remains primarily a topic for experts but is increasingly being linked to critical societal issues such as energy security, climate protection, and mobility.

Power-to-X in the Public Debate: Still a Niche Topic

Power-to-X refers to the conversion of (renewable) energy into molecular, chemical energy carriers or products (“X”). The analysis, presented during a regular SPIN webinar, examined Swiss media sources and online discussions to assess how PtX is embedded in public discourse.

The study found that discussions on PtX in Switzerland are largely driven by experts and political stakeholders, with little engagement from the broader public. The technology is most frequently associated with green hydrogen production, infrastructure development, and the energy transition. Key concerns include seasonal energy storage and geopolitical dependencies or independence.

Political Landscape: A Divided but Active Discussion

The political debate on Power-to-X is shaped by parties such as the Green Liberal Party (GLP), the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), The Centre (Mitte), and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), each offering different perspectives on the technology and its implementation. Despite its strategic relevance, PtX remains relatively unknown to the general public.

Search engine data indicates that terms like “e-fuels” and “hydrogen” generate interest, while more technical concepts such as sector coupling or methanol receive little attention. This underscores the need for improved communication strategies to bring Power-to-X out of expert circles and into mainstream discussions.

SPIN as a Bridge Between Networks, Politics, and Society

The findings highlight SPIN’s essential role in promoting Power-to-X. As a collaborative network, SPIN consolidates expertise and provides guidance for policymakers, businesses, and society.

“For Power-to-X to reach its full potential, it must move beyond expert circles and into broader public discussions,” says [SPIN representative]. “Our analysis shows that strategic communication needs to be simplified and focused on the most visible and relevant aspects.”

Recommendations for Greater Public Awareness and Acceptance

To strengthen Power-to-X’s societal relevance, targeted measures are needed:

• Simplified Communication: Public discourse should focus on a few key terms to make the relevance of PtX clearer and more tangible. Instead of emphasizing complex technical details, communication should highlight practical benefits and applications. SPIN has already taken steps in this direction by publishing a glossary of common PtX-related terms last autumn.

• Hands-on Experience: As long as Power-to-X remains a theoretical concept, it will be difficult for the public to grasp its significance. Pilot projects, visible applications, and concrete success stories are essential for building trust in the technology. People need to experience its benefits in daily life, whether through the use of e-fuels in transportation or innovative energy storage solutions.

• Political and Economic Integration: The expansion of infrastructure for hydrogen and other Power-to-X technologies must be actively pursued. This requires not only technical solutions but also the right political framework. Clear investment incentives and long-term strategies are crucial to provide businesses and investors with the confidence needed to develop this forward-looking technology.

The full analysis and a glossary of Power-to-X terms are available at www.power-to-x.swiss.

About SPIN

The Swiss Power-to-X Collaborative Innovation Network (SPIN) serves as the umbrella organization for PtX networks in Switzerland. Its mission is to facilitate exchange among stakeholders from research, industry, politics, administration, and civil society while helping to establish the necessary regulatory framework for PtX. SPIN’s overarching goal is to accelerate the transition to a 100% renewable energy supply in Switzerland and worldwide, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (particularly CO₂) by 2050.

Source: Media release, February 19, 2025

Download the report here, in German, and our brochure on Power-to-X terminologies here.

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