Our Aim
The Green Carbon Valley Initiative aims to advance the defossilization of industry in northwestern Switzerland. At its core is the vision of a CO₂-H₂-O₂ circular economy—an integrated system comprising the capture, utilization, and storage of CO₂, as well as the use of hydrogen and oxygen. As a leading hub for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, Northwestern Switzerland offers ideal conditions for this.
The Aim: A CO2-H2-O2 closed-loop System eliminating the Use of Fossil Fuels
What we do
The initiative connects key stakeholders from business, government, and research. Activities for 2026 include:
- Networking: Three roundtables bring key stakeholders together to identify synergies and develop shared perspectives.
- Foundation for Decision-Making: Geographical and material mappings highlight concrete potentials for a CO₂-H₂-O₂ circular economy.
- Implementation: Development of policy recommendations.
The initiative is gaining momentum: Already today, over 30 companies and research institutes are actively involved, including key players in the chemical and pharmaceutical cluster, major emitters, and public partners such as the Canton of Aargau. Participation in the activities is generally free of charge.
Committed supporters are contributing to the financing and further development of the initiative. These include the Canton of Aargau, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, IWB, GETEC, Port of Switzerland, VBSA, primeo energie, Linde, Evonik, and Holcim. With a voluntary contribution of CHF 5,000 (CHF 20,000 for cantons), other organizations have the opportunity to become supporters and actively help shape the initiative.
First Roundtable Meeting
The first roundtable took place in March 2026 with around 30 participants at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG and marked the start of further dialogue. Many participants voiced their clear goal to invest in plants or operations wich will be part of a CO₂-H₂-O₂ circular economy. The roundtable meetings are seen as a valuable platform to meet potential partners for such operations.
Second Roundtable Meeting
On Monday, June 15, the Green Carbon Valley Initiative held its second roundtable at the University of Basel, with more than 30 participants in attendance. The event focused on mutual exchange in the context of specific projects.
Following presentations by the participants – covering topics such as their own approaches to green methanol production, CO2 temporary storage and transport, and the hydrogen ecosystem in both Basel cantons – the participants exchanged ideas during «speed dating» rounds and a poster session. To conclude, the participants worked together in groups on specific project ideas and open questions related to infrastructure.
Supporters
Supporters benefit from…
- increased visibility as pioneers of industrial transformation,
- exclusive involvement in planning activities and developing project outcomes as part of the Steering Committee
- priority consideration for events.
If you are interested in participating in or supporting the initiative, please contact us.
Dr. Wolfram Kägi, wolfram.kaegi@bss-basel.ch, +41 61 262 05 56
Dr. Roman Sieler, roman.sieler@bss-basel.ch, +41 61 260 78 21
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