Corona and Watt d'Or: Three questions for the Watt d'Or winners 2020, part 1

On 9 January 2020, 5 projects were awarded the Watt d'Or 2020, the prestigious award of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. Energeiaplus will ask the winners what the Watt d'Or has changed for them, how they are coping with the corona situation and why it is worth submitting innovative projects for the Watt d'Or 2021 right now: The deadline for applications for the Watt d'Or 2021 is 17 July 2020. Apply now!

The beginning of this four-part blog series is the project "A thermochemical energy supply network in an orchid greenhouse". With this project, the ZHAW Institute of Energy Systems and Fluid Engineering (IEFE), Schmid Hutter AG and Meyer Orchideen AG together won the Watt d'Or 2020 in the category "Energy Technologies". A description of the winning project can be found in the media release published for this purpose or as a video contribution on Youtube.

What has the Watt d'Or 2020 changed for you?

Schmid Hutter AG: After the award ceremony, interesting contacts to various stakeholders were established. Furthermore, this award has not yet had any influence on the acquisition. Unfortunately, the Watt d'Or is still relatively unknown within our building technology sector and has therefore hardly triggered any reactions.

Meyer Orchideen Ltd: It is a wonderful recognition of our many years of efforts for sustainable corporate management. We have had a good echo in the media and have also received many compliments from our customers.

IEFE: The Watt d'Or 2020 is very important for our research area. We have been contacted by new interested parties in our technology. This gives us the opportunity to further develop the technology and try out new applications.

How are you currently doing in the Corona situation?

Schmid Hutter AG: Our operations continue to run unchecked even during the crisis. Due to the hygiene requirements on our building sites and at our industrial customers, the time required for plant construction and service work has increased accordingly, resulting in extra hours for our employees.

Meyer Orchideen AG: It was a huge challenge for us to keep our entire store closed for six weeks. It is not easy. On the other hand, it gave us the opportunity to clarify our business model and improve numerous internal processes.

Why is it worth participating in the Watt d'Or 2021?

Schmid Hutter AG: It's a great opportunity to bring new ideas and technological innovations to the attention of a wider audience. The resulting contacts to the energy technology network can be very valuable.

Meyer Orchideen Ltd: It's worth taking part in the Watt d'Or because it is Switzerland's most prestigious prize in the field of energy and it has a great appeal.

IEFE: Participation is worthwhile in order to be able to present projects to a broad and competent audience, to expand the personal network and to think up impulses for further developments and ideas.

Interview: Alicia Salas, University Trainee Media and Politics, SFOE