The Zurich government agreed on a new funding programme to support investments in climate-friendly and efficient systems in order to reduce CO2 emissions. From 2015 on at least 50% of all produced heat or cold has to be CO2-free or CO2-neutral, while half of the heat pumps have to be equipped with natural refrigerants.
A credit line of 180 million francs (around 120 million euro) was approved mid June by the communal government Zurich and is very likely to be finally approved by a referendum in September this year. The draft mentions natural refrigerants as the refrigerants of choice in general, and more specifically the use of CO
2 and ammonia.
With the new credit scheme the Swiss authorities intend to build efficient and climate-friendly systems to reduce CO
2 emissions. Therefore, all energy-efficient systems, such as heat pumps, refrigeration systems, solar panels, and systems using seawater, as well as thermal heat or heat recovery, will be supported.
The Electric Power Company city of Zurich (EWZ) is planning to invest in private installation for the use of energy. Selected projects that are especially useful will be supported more than others. The suggested legislation also includes recommendations that 50% of the produced heat or cold has to be CO
2-free or -CO
2 neutral by 2015. Moreover, it suggests that at least half of all heat pumps need to be working with natural refrigerants.
Even if this initiative is only for private installations yet, it might influence the commercial sector through future legislation.
Background Information
Since 1892 the electric power company city of Zurich provides Zurich, as well as parts of the Canton Graubünden, with electric power, and offers a comprehensive range of energy services. In total, it supplies energy to about 221.000 customers. Since 2003, the company offers, in cooperation with the communal government of Zurich, different credit schemes to support eco-friendly technologies.
