FEDERAL DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT, ENERGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Their core work

DETEC (known as UVEK in German) is the Swiss federal ministry responsible for national policy on energy, transport, environment, and communications. In H2020, it acts primarily as a national funding body co-financing ERA-NET programmes, channelling Swiss public funds into transnational research calls on solar energy, smart grids, geothermal, materials, and digitalisation. Rather than performing research itself, it sets strategic priorities and co-funds joint European calls that Swiss research teams and companies can access. Its participation ensures Switzerland — a non-EU member — remains integrated into European energy and environment research coordination.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early H2020 period (2014-2017), DETEC focused on foundational energy transition themes: smart cities, energy efficiency, grid integration, CCS, and first-generation solar ERA-NETs. From 2018 onward, the portfolio sharpened toward applied solar power (both PV and CSP), digitalisation of energy networks, and — notably — expanded into advanced materials, battery technologies, and Green Deal alignment. The shift reflects Switzerland's evolving energy strategy, moving from broad exploration of clean energy options toward deeper investment in solar, digital infrastructure, and energy storage.

DETEC is moving toward digital energy systems and materials/battery technologies, making it a relevant co-funding partner for projects combining energy transition with digitalisation or storage.

How they like to work

DETEC never coordinates — it participates as a national funding body alongside other ministries and agencies in ERA-NET cofund structures. With 271 partners across 44 countries, it operates as a network hub connecting Swiss research priorities to pan-European programmes. Working with DETEC means accessing Swiss co-funding for transnational calls; they are a policy and funding partner, not a technical research performer.

Exceptionally broad network of 271 partners across 44 countries, reflecting the multi-country nature of ERA-NET cofund schemes. The geographic spread is truly global for a national ministry, covering all of Europe plus associated countries participating in ERA-NET calls.

What sets them apart

As Switzerland's federal ministry, DETEC is the gateway for Swiss participation in European energy and environment research coordination. For consortium builders, partnering with DETEC means securing Swiss national co-funding commitments in ERA-NET calls — something no university or private company can provide. Their consistent participation across 11 ERA-NET cofunds demonstrates institutional reliability and long-term commitment to European research integration despite Switzerland's non-EU status.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EnerDigit
  Largest project by funding (EUR 992k) and most recent strategic direction — digitalisation of energy systems running until 2026.
• HBM4EU
  Only non-energy project — European Human Biomonitoring Initiative — showing DETEC's environmental health mandate; participated as third party.
• CSP ERANET
  Dedicated concentrated solar power programme (EUR 355k) reflecting Switzerland's sustained commitment to solar thermal research coordination.