Innovating for Sustainable Infrastructures of the future

Berne, 11.07.2013 - Speech of Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard FIESP, Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo, 10 July 2013

There is a Brazilian saying that goes: "Só quem acredita no futuro acredita no presente." (‘Only those who believe in the future, believe in the present.')

In my view:

  • 1. When we talk about investment in innovative, sustainable and future-oriented infrastructure, we are on the right track.
  • 2. Brazil believes in the future, which is why the country is committed to the present - this is exemplified by the entry into service of the world's largest and most powerful rack and pinion locomotive on the freight line from São Paulo to the port of Santos - a Swiss locomotive.
  • 3. Switzerland also believes in the future: we are currently investing a great deal in our country's infrastructure - in road, rail and energy infrastructure.

Why do such parallels exist between our two countries, which in other ways couldn't be more different? The answer is simple: both countries have recognised that infrastructure, regardless of whether it is for transport or energy supply, is vital for the prosperity of the economy and for people's quality of life, and consequently for the country's competiveness. Brazil is proof of that: you demonstrate the highest level of technological readiness and innovation in the region.

We in Switzerland also believe that if we are to retain businesses and investors, or attract new ones, we have to offer excellent and functioning infrastructure.

  • Power outages have to be prevented,
  • Congestion on the roads costs time and money and needs to be prevented,
  • Trains without passengers or trains without sufficient seating are bad.

In the coming years, the biggest projects for us will therefore be in the areas of railways, roads and energy supply.

We face a large increase in mobility, both in terms of passengers and goods. We therefore need additional capacity, which is environmentally friendly, affordable and economical in terms of space. We find that where railways are concerned, the need above all is for state investment. In an urban society we have to expand and upgrade the world's densest railway network to ensure it is fit for the future. In the process, we are able to draw on a number of innovations, which could also be used here in Brazil;

  • such as the European Train Control System, where Switzerland is playing a pioneering role. This system allows the network to be used more efficiently. Trains can travel at high speed with short distances between trains.
  • we can save energy by using hybrid diesel-electric locomotives in freight transport. At the same time we also want to be able to operate more efficiently by using intelligent vehicles, particularly in freight shunting traffic, which produce less noise and exhaust emissions.

In the agglomerations we are increasingly switching to urban railways and eco-powered buses. This type of technology could also be a possible avenue for mega cities like São Paulo. São Paulo is known for its strict traffic management system during the rush hour times. Why not also introduce environmentally-friendly buses?

  • In a number of towns we use buses with hybrid diesel-electric engines. These have a number of advantages; they have lower fuel consumption, are energy efficient thanks to the recovery of braking energy and - very importantly - result in better air quality.
  • In Geneva a unique trial is currently under way with an electric powered bus without overhead contact lines. The trial is intended to see how far CO2 and noise emissions can be reduced and test their electric efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Initial results show that electric power units work far more effectively than classic combustion engine.
  • In order to reduce congestion on Switzerland's roads, studies are under way to look into the possibility of creating an underground network for transporting goods using an efficient system of freight pallets. Studies will have to be carried out to see if Cargo Souterrain is feasible and if it can have the desired effect.

We also face great challenges in the field of energy. Switzerland imports almost 80% of its energy although it largely covers its own needs in terms of electricity production. But our power stations and grid are ageing and because we don't want to build any new nuclear power stations, we have to build facilities for renewable energies. At the same time, we also want to reduce the amount of power we use as individuals. Average energy consumption per person and year should fall by 35 per cent by 2035 compared to levels in 2000. Energy consumption needs to be stabilised from 2020. Efficiency is therefore a key requirement. We have managed to acquire a great deal of know-how in the field of building construction thanks to years of technological development. We need smart, intelligent houses and industrial processes.

  • At Geneva airport Europe's largest solar power facility is taking shape. Thanks to technology transfer from the European Organisation for Nuclear Research revolutionary solar panels are being put in place, which will heat buildings in winter and keep them cool in summer.
  • Since 2011 a very modern and extremely energy efficient computer centre has been in operation. It uses high voltage direct current technology. Thanks to the elimination of voltage conversion and heat losses, it uses 20 per cent less electricity.

Gouverner c'est prévoir!

If we want to anticipate the future, we have to master the present. Three requirements have to be met if we are to do so:

  • First, we need to apply an innovative technological approach - by using smart, intelligent future technologies in transport or energy, for example.
  • Second, in order to innovate people have to have a good level of education. Education creates innovation. In other words, if young people are to be inspired and skills developed, a broad range of educational possibilities needs to be available along with good vocational and university education.
  • Thirdly, project management should be innovative and accessible with a transparent system of financing. We prefer incentives rather than subsidies.

That way people can motivate people for the future. An example of what form such cooperation can take, was shown recently by a Swiss pharmaceutical company. The Basel -based firm began construction of a new plant near Recife and concluded technology transfer agreements with the health ministry. In future, the pharmaceuticals developed and supplied by the Swiss corporation will be manufactured in state laboratories.

This cooperation should also be intensified in the field of education, research and innovation. The Brazilian Apprenticeship Service SENAI, cofounded in 1942 by the Swiss engineer Roberto Mange, shows that Brazil and Switzerland also complement one another in this field, too. The Swiss-Brazilian Science and Technology cooperation is based on four principles: mutual interest, scientific excellence, reciprocity and sustainability. The goal is to encourage long term partnerships and provide opportunities for collaboration between Swiss and Brazilian research institutions. The Brazilian ‘Science Without Borders' scholarship programme is a mutually beneficial match between our two countries. I am therefore very honoured to sign our joint Memorandum of Understanding to further promote, develop and strengthen our relationship, specifically through the international mobility of students and researchers.

Because we believe in the future, we act in the present. Let's use technological change as an opportunity for people, for the environment and for the economy.


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