Summary
The Federal Office of Energy awarded the renowned Watt d'Or prize on January 8, 2026 for the nineteenth and final time. Four organizations were honored in the categories of energy technologies, renewable energies, energy-efficient mobility, and buildings and space. The award ceremony took place at the Kursaal Congress Centre in Bern and brought together hundreds of representatives from the Swiss energy sector.
People
- Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher (Member of National Council, Jury Chair)
Topics
- Energy prizes and awards
- Renewable energies
- Energy efficiency
- Swiss energy policy
Detailed Summary
The Federal Office of Energy presented the Watt d'Or Trophies 2026 on the evening of January 8, 2026 at the Kursaal Congress Centre in Bern. This was already the nineteenth edition of this renowned prize – and simultaneously the last in this form.
The four prize winners were honored in different categories:
- Gaznat (Vevey and Aigle, Vaud) received the award in the Energy Technologies category
- endigo Holding AG (Fiesch, Valais) was honored in the Renewable Energies category
- Rigitrac Traktorenbau AG (Küssnacht am Rigi, Schwyz) won in the Energy-Efficient Mobility category
- Baugenossenschaft «mehr als wohnen», Lemon Consult AG, and the Low-Tech Lab (all Zurich) shared the prize in the Buildings and Space category
The jury was chaired by Member of National Council Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher. The award ceremony was attended by hundreds of representatives from the Swiss energy sector – from politics, business, and research.
Key Statements
- The Watt d'Or 2026 is the final edition of this established energy prize
- Four prize winners were honored in four categories
- The awards recognize innovation in energy technologies, renewable energies, efficient mobility, and sustainable construction
- The award ceremony was a sector meeting of the Swiss energy scene
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Prize Winners | Receive recognition and visibility for their innovations |
| Swiss Energy Sector | Benefits from highlighting best practices |
| Politics & Research | Networking and exchange on current trends |
| Public | Gains orientation regarding exemplary energy solutions |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Greater visibility of innovative energy solutions | Loss of established prize could reduce motivation |
| Network effects between energy sector actors | Possible gap in recognizing innovations after 2026 |
| International attention for Swiss solutions | Less platform for smaller innovators |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Monitor whether the Watt d'Or will be replaced by other formats
- Examine how continuity of innovation promotion is secured after 2026
- Intensify network maintenance with awarded organizations
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Unconfirmed data marked with ⚠️
- [ ] Web research for current data conducted (not required – current press release)
- [x] Bias or political one-sidedness marked
Additional Research
- Official Watt d'Or Website: Archive and background on the prize
- Federal Office of Energy: Press releases and Switzerland's energy strategy
- Portraits of Prize Winners: Websites of Gaznat, endigo Holding, Rigitrac, and «mehr als wohnen»
Sources
Primary Source:
Press Release Federal Office of Energy – «Swiss Energy Prize Watt d'Or 2026 Awarded» (January 8, 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/Kmo0KBiV-5ndx5-NkbViG
Verification Status: ✓ Facts verified on January 8, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Checking: January 8, 2026