Energy Hub

Rethinking energy: locally generated, intelligently networked, efficiently used

Approach

What characterizes a sustainable energy center today?

Strategic planning, precise implementation

Our strength lies in the planning of energy centers that combine technological excellence with long-term transformability. We consider architecture, supporting structure and building technology as an integral overall system. This results in modular, efficient and sustainable energy infrastructures

Sustainability starts with planning

The hydraulic system forms the foundation of every efficient energy center. We plan the hydraulics precisely tailored to load profiles and operating modes. In combination with seasonal storage, low-temperature networks and power-to-heat concepts, we create controllable, scalable and highly efficient systems.

Sector coupling as seasonal compensation
Willer's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Adrian Altenburger, explains how seasonal energy storage is made possible by connecting residential quarters and data centers.

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Energy Hub ZWHATT: Designed for generations
We have been supporting our customer Pensimo in the development of this vibrant urban quarter since 2021. Built for the people of today and designed for those of tomorrow, we provide the right energy - both thermal and electrical - with an intelligent site supply for high-rise buildings, commercial buildings and existing pavilions. Sustainably planned, holistically engineered by Willers. (Visualization: Pensimo)
ZHWATT site
Energy Insights - The energy center of the future
In autumn 2025, Cornelia Mellenberger (CEO ewb), Prof. Adrian Altenburger (Head of the Building Technology & Energy Institute and degree course, HSLU) and over 30 guests discussed how energy centers can be designed to be sustainable, efficient and future-proof - and what role they will play in Switzerland's climate-neutral energy future. An evening full of palpable enthusiasm for the future of energy. The event will go into the next round in fall 2026.

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Central role of district heating until 2050
The expansion of district heating continues to have great potential in Central and Western Europe, and especially in Switzerland (diagram). We are working closely with various energy supply companies to achieve this.

Graph showing the development of district heating consumption by sector in the ZERO basis scenario, in PJ
Source: Energy Perspectives 2050+ short report by SFOE
New energy center UZH Irchel
A new energy center is being built on the Irchel campus of the University of Zurich, which will replace the central heating and cooling supply as part of a cluster supply. The system forms an intelligent symbiosis between geothermal storage and buildings - with bidirectional storage management for maximum efficiency. With an extended test drilling (eTRT) and simulation-supported planning, we were able to significantly simplify the original concept and save 820 t COâ‚‚ during construction with these adjustments.

willers university of zurich aerial view

We plan energy centers as integrated complete systems. Architecture, electrical, heating & cooling, ventilation and sanitary systems are not considered one after the other, but are developed systemically and technically coordinated.

Graphic Energy Hub architecture
The building was designed in such a way that all technical systems are optimally integrated and easily accessible for maintenance. Safety zones, room heights, assembly and maintenance routes are functionally coordinated.

At the same time, the entire site, including all service lines, was coordinated - as a technically consistent, scalable overall system.
Graphic Energy Hub Electric
The electrical connected load is provided via a separate head-end station, transformers and a central low-voltage main distribution board.

The heat pump systems are connected via busbars, which increases flexibility and ease of maintenance. For partial redundancy, the supply is provided via two separate paths (A and B) and ensures high operational reliability.
Graphic Energy Hub heating and cooling
The heating and cooling generation is based on an anergy network that serves as the primary source for the heat pumps and at the same time enables heat to be returned.

The heat pumps supply around 20 MW of heating power - fed from the waste heat from the Werdhölzli sewage treatment plant and the ZSC Arena. Dual-fuel burners cover the peak load.

For cooling operation, hybrid recooling systems support the dissipation of excess heat and ensure stable, efficient operation.
Graphic Energy Hub ventilation
Differentiated ventilation systems are used for the technical operating rooms, which reliably dissipate internal loads and ensure stable operating conditions.

The office area is supplied separately in order to guarantee defined comfort requirements independently of system operation. In the heat pump rooms, demand-controlled storm ventilation ensures the safe removal of increased air volumes in the event of operation or malfunction.
Graphic Energy Hub Sanitary
The building is fully connected to separate drinking water, rainwater and wastewater systems. Integrated rainwater retention on the site enables controlled infiltration and relieves the burden on the infrastructure.

An osmosis system ensures the required water quality for the recooling systems and guarantees long-term stable operation.

Services

Our specialists in the fields of energy, thermodynamics, electrical engineering and building automation think and plan within a networked system.

As general planners, we bear overall responsibility for complex construction projects - from technical planning to execution. We coordinate all trades and ensure quality, deadlines and costs.

Economical, sustainable and productive: modern building technology creates inspiring environments.

We advise on all aspects of energy and building technology. Sometimes as technical experts, sometimes as project managers for major investments.

The physical and digital worlds are increasingly converging. Our digital building solutions create building systems that use data intelligently and create new opportunities.

TECHNOLOGY

We combine digital innovation with real added value

Curiosity and expertise are the driving force behind our innovation. A sense of personal responsibility is the basis for the quality of our sustainable solutions.
Sustainability

Decarbonization

Graphic decarbonization
Application

Revit plug-in

Graphic Revit Plugin
Application

Digital Twin

Graphic Digital Twin
Sustainability

Refrigerant

Graphic refrigeration technology
Application

BIM2FM - BIM in facility management 

Graphic BIM to FM
Sustainability

Thermal grids

Graphic thermal networks
Application

Building simulation

Graphic building simulation
Research

Genetic algorithms

Graphic genetic algorithms

Our work

We accompany construction projects at the cutting edge of innovation

With our experience and passion for progress, we realize spaces and infrastructures that not only function - but create the future.

Expert Talk

Expert knowledge becomes stronger through exchange. Our Expert Talks offer insights, evaluate trends and bring together different perspectives.
Cedric Franek
Enegy Hub Leader
Matthis Stolz
Energy Hub Leader