CAS ETH ATE: Applied Technology in Energy
Reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 will require a profound shift of the energy system, in particular the expanding renewable energies and electrifying the building and transport sector, both of which will bring new challenges.
Join one of our next online info sessions and get first hand information about the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Applied Technology in Energy (CAS ATE).
Upcoming event dates:
19.01.2026 from 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CET | external page Zoom Link | Add to calendar
17.02.2026 from 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CET | external page Zoom Link | Add to calendar
APPLY to start the programme in Spring 2026 !
ETH Zurich’s CAS programme in Applied Technology in Energy (CAS ETH ATE) provides professionals with a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving energy system. Course participants will gain a better understanding of the ongoing energy transition, enabling them to help shape the energy future of their company and industry.
Participants learn how we generate, store, distribute and consume energy currently, and how these processes are evolving from scientific and technological perspectives. A strong emphasis is given to technology applications that impact multiple industries beyond the energy sector. For example, in some industries the energy transition has significant impacts on product design and core operations. To explore these business impacts, the CAS uses case studies and examples from these industries, including manufacturing, electronics, automotive, and construction and management of buildings.
Download Link to the Schedule FS26 (PDF, 61 KB)
“"Industry needs to make strategic investments decisions with far reaching consequences on our energy future, today. This means also enabling managers to understand and apply relevant technologies.””Dr. Christian Schaffner, Executive Director of the ETH Energy Science Center and Programme Director of the CAS ETH ATE Programme
Participants complete 4 modules over 14 weeks from April to July. Classes are generally conducted in either a block format or blended learning format to minimize time away from work. Classes are held at ETH Zentrum campus every other week for one full day and one half day (typically Friday all day and Saturday morning), and the programme is thus well suited as a part-time study programme.
Total workload is approximately 300 hours (~21 hours/week) and successful graduates earn a total of 12 ECTS credits.
The programme is only offered in English.
Dr. Christian Schaffner (Director, ETH Energy Science Center)
The course module provides an introduction to the fundamental science and the underlying technology used throughout the rest of the CAS ATE.
Participants will learn how today’s energy system works, including the underlying scientific principles of energy technologies – generation, storage, distribution – and the regulatory and economic frameworks that integrate these technologies into our society. Special attention is paid to understanding renewable electricity generation and why these rapidly evolving technologies are driving change in multiple industries.
To start, there is an online review module, Energy Fundamentals, which acts as a prerequisite for the entire CAS ATE. The review module introduces the mathematical and electrical basics needed to be successful in the CAS. We advise participants to use the "Assessment Quiz" to identify their knowledge gaps and to close them prior to the course, if needed. The rest of the Energy Fundamentals module is also organised in a self-learning online module with weekly contact hours to discuss questions with teaching assistants.
Dr. Christian Prehal & Prof. Dr. Vanessa Wood
The course module takes a deeper look at the most important technologies for electrical energy storage in industry, with an emphasis on batteries.
Participants are introduced to the energy storage technologies in use in industry as well as technology- and market-driven opportunities for change and new applications. The design, manufacture, operation, and usage scenarios of lithium-ion batteries are explained in detail. Future improvements in battery energy storage is explored in terms of both likely progress and critical barriers.
Prof. Dr. Christian Franck (ETH High Voltage Laboratory)
Prof. Dr. Gabriela Hug (ETH Power Systems Laboratory)
For decades, electric power grid systems have remained essentially unchanged. Now, they are undergoing significant changes driven by the energy transition. The course module helps participants understand the fundamental setup and workings of the electric power grid.
Participants learn about the technical operation and management of traditional power grid systems, including the fundamental equipment and mechanisms responsible for transforming and transporting electricity to end users and the concept of AC power. We will discuss typical grid design and management and the underlying physical principles that drive design and management decisions. Then, we will turn to future grids and the opportunities and challenges that arise from distributed generation, microgrids, demand response, and virtual power plants. We will explore future grids both from the operator’s and end-user’s perspectives.
Dr. Christian Schaffner
The focus of the course module is on understanding the practical implications of the energy transition taking place in industry, including electrification technology and its practical application in multiple industries.
This course takes a case study approach to look at how electrification is currently impacting products and technology use in manufacturing, electronics, automotive, building construction, and facility management. The course participants work on actual cases provided by industry partners.
We discuss real-time issues in policy and regulation, as well as the technical and practical challenges of implementation. Participants interact with master’s students from ETH Zurich working in the domain and engage with industry experts.
"Completing the CAS ETH ATE programme has enabled me to stay better informed and to follow energy innovations with greater clarity and confidence. Working in my regular job with banking and finance experts , I enjoyed the practical focus of the programme. We examined energy topics from various perspectives and gained insights from real-world examples, industry experts, and hands-on activities like field visits to a power substation. I was surprised by how much this has altered my perspective on everyday things: I now notice infrastructure more, understand market dynamics better, and can identify different energy storagetypes and new technologies more easily."
Luz Hitters, Manager at MMG Management Consulting
Alumni of the CAS ETH ATE FS25
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" In my role as Head Intraday, leading a team of energy specialists, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the current and future Energy Markets, as well as to continuously acquire new technical and analytical skills. The CAS in Applied Technology in Energy enabled me to enhance my comprehension of the complex interdependencies that exist within the energy system, as well as gain valuable insight into emerging technologies. Through a combination of online coursework, lab work and real-world projects, I was equipped with the necessary expertise to address the challenges of the evolving energy landscape. I highly recommend this programme to others seeking to deepen their knowledge in this field."
Irina Radzikhovskaya, Head Intraday at Alpiq
Alumni of the CAS ETH ATE and MAS ETH in Applied Technology 2024
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"The ETH CAS Applied Technology in Energy (CAS ATE) allowed me to deep-dive into the rapidly evolving and highly relevant topic of a Sustainable Energy Supply. Working through the theoretical aspects of the Energy System as well as hands-on case studies in collaboration with industry partners really enabled me to become an Energy Expert in just a few months time - a thing I didn’t believe was possible before.
The top-notch teachers took their time and dedication to guide us through this programme, which I can only recommend to anyone who wants to become an expert in energy (even without technical background)!"
John Wegman, Managing Director/Advisor Private Equity
Alumni CAS ETH ATE and MAS ETH in Applied Technology 2022
Current MAS AT participants that did not complete three "Applied Technology CAS" programmes may directly enrol in the CAS ATE without applying for admission. MAS AT participants who have already completed three "Applied Technology CAS" programmes and wish to follow the CAS ATE must apply separately to the CAS.
Non-MAS applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Demonstrated managerial experience (product, team or project-level) working in a relevant industry
- Good knowledge of English
- ETH recognized Master’s degree*
CAS ATE applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee of the CAS Programme. The final decision is communicated in writing.
* Applicants with Bachelor’s degrees can be exceptionally admitted “sur dossier” based on additional continuing education and/or work experience.
Please apply online through the School for Continuing Education website.
After submitting the application and uploading supporting documentation, you will be asked to pay the application fee. See the Application section of our website for more information on How To Apply as well as Selection & Admission.
The application window for the CAS ATE is open annually from 30 November to 1 March.
CAS only participants: CHF 8’500.-
MAS AT participants:
The regular MAS tuition fees include the cost of the CAS programme.
For MAS in Applied Technology participants, this is one of the approved CAS in the programme and introduces participants to technologies and concepts that are critical for understanding modern power grids and concepts for achieving a sustainable and secure energy supply.
MAS AT Structure
Programme Director: Dr. Christian Schaffner (Energy Science Center)
Programme Co-Director: Prof. Dr. Gabriela Hug (D-ITET)
Programme Advisor: Karin Sonderegger Zaky (D-ITET)
For further information, please contact us - thank you!
Mail:
Phone: +41 44 632 2777