Energy System Transformation

At a glance

As part of the “Energy System Transformation” topic, Jülich researchers identify sustainable transformation pathways on all spatial levels – from individual buildings to an international context. In doing so, they also take societal, political, economic, environmental, as well as technical and strategic aspects into account.

Challenges

Germany aims to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. This will require a transformation of the energy system. This transformation must not only succeed at the technical level, but also resonate with society and industry. Other issues are linked to the acceptance of alternative energy carriers such as hydrogen or synthetic fuels and the associated new technologies.

Compared to today’s energy supply, the complexity of the overall system will increase significantly. Particular attention is paid to the factors of security of supply and economic efficiency.

Solutions

Researchers at Jülich are working both on seeking ways to successfully transform the energy system at low cost and on clarifying the principles and mechanisms of social acceptance.

To this end, they are pursuing several approaches: Firstly, the scientists analyse and model a wide variety of energy supply systems on several levels - from individual buildings to national and international grid structures. Secondly, social aspects are taken into account, based on regular population surveys. The necessary resource requirements and recycling options are also included in the analyses.

The coupling of several models also opens up a wide range of options for in-depth analyses. For example, interactions with the European electricity market can be taken into account, and a comprehensive site potential analysis for wind or photovoltaic systems can be carried out. Coupling with a global hydrogen model is also possible, which can be used to calculate quantity and price ratios or the required hydrogen infrastructure.

Jülich’s work on these issues results in knowledge-based recommendations for transformation strategies that are included in policy advice as well as social and economic consulting.