MAN Energy Solutions signs agreement with ETH Zurich to advance energy research

MAN Energy Solutions Switzerland and ETH Zurich, the public research university, have launched a strategic partnership to advance research in sector coupling and energy-system modelling. The collaboration aims to address one of the biggest challenges of the energy transition, namely the seamless integration of electricity, heating, and cooling networks.

The core of the partnership comprises funding for six postdoctoral researchers at the ETH Foundation to develop AI-powered energy-system models that will enable deeper technical and economic analysis of European energy markets and infrastructure. The research will also focus on optimising existing models by reducing computational demands, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable solutions. A key aspect of the work will involve combining hardware and software innovations to enhance energy-system performance. Research activities will be coordinated by ETH’s AI Center and Energy Science Center.

ETH Zurich plays a key role in shaping national and international energy strategies. Researchers at the Energy Science Center and ETH AI Center combine cutting-edge interdisciplinary research with practical applications.

MAN Energy Solutions is contributing its expertise as a technology solutions-provider in the energy sector to the partnership, particularly within the areas of industrial-scale heat pumps and electrothermal energy-storage systems. Looking ahead, the company plans to integrate AI-based energy-management solutions for industrial infrastructure into its portfolio, with a strong emphasis on leveraging digital services to maximise the potential of sector coupling.

Patrik Meli, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions Switzerland, said: “We are excited to join forces with ETH Zurich to shape the future of sustainable energy. True innovation happens when we break down silos and approach electricity, heating and cooling as a unified system. Artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities to better understand and optimise these interactions – opportunities we must embrace with boldness and vision. Collaborations like this are key to turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions.”

Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich, said: “For research results to make a real impact, ETH relies on strong industry partnerships. This collaboration with MAN Energy Solutions marks an important step toward developing innovative solutions for the future of energy.”