Payerne (Switzerland), June 4, 2025. Innergia, a company specializing in supporting local
authorities in their energy transition, today announced a major partnership with Primeo Energie,
one of Switzerland's leaders in the sector, to promote its innovative decentralized energy
transition model for municipalities throughout Switzerland and then abroad. This unique
collaboration will provide municipalities with a comprehensive solution to achieve self-financed
energy independence based on renewable resources available in their area.
Since its inception in 2020, Innergia has developed an innovative solution that enables municipalities to become
energy independent based on their local renewable resources. The energy is sold as a new municipal public
service to the population via an industrial services company that includes a residents' cooperative. This model is
now taking on a new dimension: Primeo Energie, one of Switzerland's leading energy companies, is entering into
a partnership with Innergiato radically transform the current system.
With CHF 2.2 billion in revenue, Primeo Energie – operating in Switzerland and France – commands a major
network. It is committed to digital and decentralized solutions that meet the challenges of the energy sector in
the era of carbon neutrality targets, in line with the Swiss Confederation's 2050 energy strategy, which Primeo
Energie supports.
An innovative model supported by a leading player
The partnership is a response to the profound changes that the energy sector is undergoing. With a strong
presence in Switzerland and France, Primeo Energie aims to participate in the transformation of this system by
developing digital and decentralized solutions based on local renewable energy resources. As a pioneer in the
field, Innergia and its innovative solution have emerged as an essential partner.
The combined offering will benefit municipalities with fewer than 1,200 inhabitants located outside Primeo
Energie's customary service area. It will enable these municipalities to benefit from an independent,
economically viable and future-oriented energy supply. Unlike traditional contracting, this original solution
allows the infrastructure to remain the permanent property of the municipalities.
Frédéric James Gentizon, CEO of Innergia, said : “This alliance with Primeo Energie is a decisive step for
Innergia, consolidating our commitment to a decentralized and sustainable energy transition. It underscores the
relevance of our liberal and cooperative model in the face of today's global challenges. This partnership
addresses the urgent need for new approaches that are more responsible and respectful of all stakeholders.”
Cédric Christmann, CEO of Primeo Energie, detailed : “This partnership with Innergia allows us to go further in a
decentralized energy transition, working together to provide concrete solutions tailored to the realities of each
municipality. It represents a strategic step forward, not only in Switzerland but also internationally.”
André Hoffmann, renowned environmentalist and a major shareholder of Innergia, concluded: “The transition to
a sustainable future depends on the emergence of responsible business models that go beyond the pursuit of
short-term profit. Since its inception, Innergia has embodied this liberal vision that is sensitive to social and
environmental issues, a path that I strongly believe in. The partnership between Innergia and Primeo Energie is
contributing to the profound transformation of the economic system, which must move toward sustainable
prosperity.”
A tried-and-tested model
Innergia empowers municipalities to take control of their own energy production and distribution, both thermal
and electrical. The model is based on the establishment of municipal utilities, financing their transition by issuing
bonds. The private bank Vontobel, which has been involved since the Payerne-based company was founded,
remains a key partner in organizing the financing of these municipal companies. To ensure the stability and
sustainability of these initiatives, risk management is provided in partnership with Kessler, a leader in the field
(see press release of May 5, 2025).
The two companies share a clear vision: rethinking energy challenges through local and decentralized solutions
tailored to the specific needs of each region. This model, which is currently being implemented in several
municipalities in French-speaking Switzerland, is set to be rolled out across Switzerland and then internationally,
thereby responding to a global need for sustainability.
A concrete and cooperative energy future
Through this alliance, Innergia and Primeo Energie are demonstrating the possibility of rethinking traditional
economic models by developing the energy independence of public authorities in a spirit of cooperation. This
partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for the energy sector, which now has a solution that
is accessible on a large scale for public authorities, paving the way for a more just and inclusive future.
