EIP Summit
EIP Summit 2025
On September 4, 2025, the third edition of the EIP Summit brought together leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the Widder Hotel in Zurich to discuss the future of energy under the theme “Spanning generations.”
Alongside the 75th anniversary of construction begin Grand Dixence, one of the largest hydropower plants in the world and part of our Swiss portfolio, the event celebrated the pioneering spirit that has shaped Switzerland’s energy landscape for decades. As Beat Deuber, Member of the Executive Board of Infrastructure at SBB, points out: “Every franc we don’t invest today comes at a cost.”
Including Mr. Deuber, the 2025 Summit featured four distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector today. They emphasized the need for bold decisions and long-term investments, spanning different technologies and sub-sectors, to drive the energy transition forward.
Thierry Burkart, FDP and Caterina Mattle, EIP
Key Highlights from the EIP Summit 2025
1. Thierry Burkart and Caterina Mattle: The Future of Switzerland’s Energy Supply
Thierry Burkart, President of the FDP, and Caterina Mattle, Managing Director at EIP, addressed important topics including Switzerland’s electricity agreement with the EU, grid stability and the need to enhance energy production.
Burkart’s message was clear: “Switzerland must do its homework – and it must do it now.” He emphasized that the energy transition requires not only technological innovation but also decisive political action and clear frameworks to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future.
2. David Mesonero: Meeting the Growing Demand for Power
As data centers, electric vehicles, and the electrification of the economy drive energy demand to record levels, David Mesonero, Global Head of Corporate Development, Strategic Partnerships and M&A at Iberdrola, shared his vision for addressing this challenge.
“This is a tremendous opportunity, but it requires bold decisions and clear frameworks,” Mesonero said. Representing Iberdrola, the world’s second-largest utility and a leader in the global energy transition, he underscored the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships in meeting the growing demand for power sustainably.
"When we talk about energy supply security today, it's not just about ensuring that industrial companies receive kilowatt-hours. Ultimately, it's about our freedom."
Egbert Laege CEO SEFE
3. Egbert Laege: Securing Energy for Europe Amid Geopolitical Challenges
Egbert Laege, CEO of SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe), addressed how geopolitical tensions have tested Europe’s energy supply. He stressed the importance of leveraging Europe’s strengths to ensure energy security, competitiveness and prosperity.
Laege’s call to action was clear: “Europe must invest in the future — decarbonization, innovation and market-based structures are essential to securing sustainable energy and preserving our freedom and prosperity.”
4. Beat Deuber: Infrastructure and Responsibility Across Generations
Beat Deuber, Member of the Executive Board of Infrastructure at SBB, highlighted the importance of sustainable and forward-looking infrastructure. With a lifespan of over 80 years, SBB’s projects are true generational endeavors, built by past generations, maintained by the present and prepared for the future.
Deuber’s message to the audience: “Every investment we fail to make today will burden our children and grandchildren.” He called for courage, innovation, and collaboration — especially with the energy sector — to ensure that Switzerland’s rail system remains a backbone of sustainable mobility.