Energy System Analysis

In recent years, renewable energies - photovoltaics and wind power in particular - have developed rapidly thanks to falling prices and are now contributing to far-reaching changes in the energy system. In order to balance out fluctuations in power production, ways must be found of aligning supply and demand. Sector coupling also makes a major contribution to broad decarbonization. These developments raise several research questions: How can the cost-efficient use of renewable energy resources be achieved in different regions? How can technologies be combined to best meet energy demands? At which points should such developments be supported by the state? We are working on answering these questions with sound techno-economic analyses.

In addition, we place special emphasis on cities and municipalities, important innovators in the development of efficient, attractive and environmentally friendly living spaces. Due to air pollution, congestion and parking shortages, outdated infrastructure, demographic change and rising energy prices, a sustainable energy supply is a priority goal of these “Smart Cities”. We support them in the development and implementation of sustainable energy systems by means of innovative technologies and system solutions. We design sustainable energy systems as part of comprehensive smart city strategies, develop target scenarios and transformation master plans, develop and support implementation projects and measure progress. This makes us a strong and competent partner for Smart Cities.

Changing supply and demand structures in the energy sector require analyses based on energy system models which support decision making for operation and management of energy infrastructures such as power plants, storage systems or energy networks. Energy system models consider a multitude of components in energy systems. In order to address these issues, the energy system models can analyze all parts of the energy system at various scales:

• National and international energy systems
• Energy systems in regions, cities and communities
• Industrial or municipal energy systems

Our energy system models provide decision-making support for the benefit and purpose of:

• Policy makers and authorities in the development of masterplans on a national, regional and municipal level
• Utility companies
  
• Industrial technology commercialization
• Market analysis and product planning for businesses

We offer all kind of research services and consultancy services to support our customers by entering and accessing new markets, by finding new solutions or by improving products and process.

With our complementary model family, we are prepared to meet the demand and wishes of our customers. The model family ranges from energy system models, electricity market models, grid models and models for system optimization and market integration.