This is the third time that the SFOE has awarded the Watt d'Or to individuals and organizations whose exemplary projects and initiatives are paving the way for a sustainable energy future. The prize is not endowed. The aim of the Watt d'Or is to publicize these projects and thus motivate business, politics and the general public to discover the advantages of innovative energy technologies for themselves.

Over 100 entries in five categories were evaluated by a team of experts as part of the Watt d'Or 2009 competition. This team ultimately nominated 23 entries for the final round. Under the chairmanship of Chiara Simoneschi-Cortesi, the Watt d'Or jury selected the six winning projects. Winning projects Watt d'Or 2009

Category 1: Society
Rheintal Energy Initiative, St. Gallen Rhine Valley Association, Rebstein (SG)
Twelve municipalities in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley have achieved what two municipalities often struggle to do: they have drawn up a joint guideline, in this specific case an energy promotion program for buildings. The Rhine Valley energy initiative is a model for the whole of Switzerland.

Category 2: Energy technologies
Bio natural gas from wood, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen (AG) and Vienna University of Technology (Austria)
Wood as an energy source can be used for more than just heating. A Swiss-Austrian consortium has built the world's first pilot plant for converting wood into synthetic natural gas in Güssing (Austria)

Category 3: Renewable energies
Eolienne Mont d'Ottan, Rhônéole SA, Vernayaz (VS)
Rhônéole SA receives the Watt d'Or 2009 for the Mont d'Ottan wind power plant in Martigny (VS), which went into operation in May 2008 and is the largest wind power plant in Switzerland.

Category 4: Energy-efficient mobility
Flyer e-bike in tourism, Biketec AG, Kirchberg (BE)
Biketec AG has achieved a market breakthrough with its energy-efficient Flyer electric bike. Now the company is opening up new avenues in tourist areas: An ingenious rental system is networked with local offers and enables even non-sporty travelers to enjoy true flights of fancy.

Category 5: Buildings
Eulachhof zero-energy residential development, Allreal Generalunternehmung AG, Zurich (ZH)
Modern living, saving energy, protecting the climate and all at affordable rents: this is what the pioneering Eulachhof residential development on the former Sulzer site in Oberwinterthur, the first large zero-energy residential development in Switzerland, offers.Special prize from the jury
The jury has decided to award a special prize again this year. It goes to Ernst Schweizer AG, Metallbau in Hedingen (ZH) for its long-standing and successful commitment to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly production and products, as well as for its responsible treatment of employees and partners.