The requirements for the energy supply of the future are clearly defined: security of supply, climate protection and economic viability. A sustainable energy system is the key. If this is to be achieved, we need a forward-looking optimisation strategy which makes full use of existing economically viable potential energy efficiencies on the demand side, steps up the pace of expansion of renewable energy sources, exploits potential for increasing the flexibility of our energy supply by making use of efficient storage technologies and load management strategies and at the same time efficiently links up both decentralised and centralised power generation technologies. Innovative energy services which meet the requirements of energy consumers and promote the development of energy efficiency markets can make a major contribution to achieving demand side energy efficiency targets.

System optimisation begins on the demand side: standards and criteria for efficient energy use.

Taking electricity use by way of example, the number and areas of use of electrically powered appliances and systems is growing in all consumption sectors. Electricity, a high quality product, is the basis for ever more services without which our modern everyday life is inconceivable. The central challenge is, while making the greatest possible use of all potential efficiencies in electricity use, simultaneously to meet electricity demand economically, reliably and with the least impact on climate. Statutory minimum energy efficiency standards and market transparency in terms of energy usage in its many and varied applications create the essential foundations for making full use of potential energy efficiencies on the demand side.

Intelligent energy systems for the energy supply of the future

The Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena) - the German Energy Agency, is working jointly with partners from politics, business and industry associations to develop strategies and solutions for modern energy services and innovative products for intelligent energy systems in order to meet the challenges of a sustainable and reliable energy supply. This involves moderating multi-stakeholder processes, political and strategic consultancy, drawing up expert reports and studies on the energy sector, implementing dialogue platforms and providing targeted information to stakeholders and the public in campaigns.