Winners of the 2026 Watt d'Or awards
The winners of the 2026 Watt d'Or awards have been chosen! This year's trophies were presented to the winners on 8 January 2026 in Bern.
“Energy technologies” category
Gaznat Innovation Lab: GreenGas for the future. When science and industry collaborate, great things can happen. This is proven by Gaznat's innovation laboratory in Aigle (VD), also known as the Innovation Lab. It is here, at its control and monitoring centre, that Gaznat tests new technologies on an industrial scale in collaboration with EPFL research groups and start-ups. The objective is to bring technologies for sector coupling, decarbonisation and seasonal storage to commercial maturity. The underlying GreenGas concept brings together all the facilities and technologies needed for this purpose at the Aigle site: combined heat and power (CHP), photovoltaics (PV), electrolysis (power-to-gas), hydrogen storage, carbon capture, methanisation and, of course, Gaznat's actual gas network. This energy innovation builds a vital bridge between research and industrial application.
“Renewable energies” category
Alpine façade solar power for the Goms valley. The village of Fiesch is located over 1,000 metres above sea level in the upper Rhone Valley. Energy production in this region is largely dominated by hydropower. But now there is something new to see in Fiesch: an Alpine façade solar power system. It was installed at the newly built headquarters of endigo Holding AG, which offers innovative, sustainable and regional solutions in the field of energy and technology in the Goms region. The lightweight timber construction with its slatted façade is an architectural feast for the eyes. And it represents the values of the endigo group of companies: firmly rooted in the region, close to nature, future- and system-oriented, and technically competent.
“Energy-efficient mobility” category
The Rigitrac electric tractor is electrifying the future. The family-owned company Rigitrac Traktorenbau AG, based in Küssnacht am Rigi, has developed the first production-ready electric tractor with European type approval. The Rigitrac SKE 40 e-direct is emission-free, quiet, manoeuvrable and extremely energy-efficient. This makes it ideal for work where exhaust fumes and noise are undesirable, for example for maintenance work by municipal utilities or in vegetable tunnels or indoor sporting events. The electric tractor is a flagship project that demonstrates how even smaller businesses can drive technological innovation forward with passion and perseverance.
“Buildings and spatial development” category
Living in an energy-efficient and climate-friendly way at the Hobelwerk. The Hobelwerk site in Oberwinterthur demonstrates how sustainable construction works. It was developed and built by the building cooperative 'mehr als wohnen' (website available in German), Lemon Consult AG (website available in German) and the Low-Tech Lab in collaboration with other partners. They have ensured that an attractive, resource-saving, circular economy-oriented, energy-efficient and socially well-planned residential and commercial district has been created. This was achieved through timber construction, reused materials, intelligent energy systems combined with an innovative ventilation concept, climate architecture and social diversity. The vibrant new district is a model for forward-looking, non-profit housing construction in Switzerland.
