Efficient Energy Systems – Information and Dialogue on Sustainable Energy Supply.

Preparing the way for a sustainable energy system.

Our long-term energy supply must be secure, affordable and environmentally compatible. This joint national and European energy and climate policy goal requires a significant transformation of our energy system. At roughly one quarter, renewable energy sources account for a significant part of Germany’s power supply. This shows that the first steps towards the transformation of the energy system have been taken.

The aim of the “Efficient Energy Systems” project is to

• provide information and analyses,
• use discussion events and working groups,
• continuously integrate individual aspects of the discussion process in the overall context, 
• act as agents and network various players from politics, science, business and associations and
• increase awareness of consumers and companies for new measures

to support the transformation of the energy system.

Key areas include the expansion and transformation of the transmission and distribution grid infrastructure to intelligent grids, making power supply more flexible and developing the electricity market accordingly.

The project will feature modules on the following topics, and the website will provide comprehensive information on each:

• Electricity grids module
  The grid infrastructure requires major expansion and restructuring to integrate renewable energy and permit European electricity trading. This module provides background information on the power supply and the development of electricity grids in Germany and Europe.
• Smart meters module
  Smart meters will play a vital role in utilising the potential of energy efficiency and load management. This module provides background information on the role of smart meters for maximising the benefits of energy efficiency and load management.
• Demand side management module
  Specific management of flexible loads facilitates integration of high quantities of renewable energy. This module also explains how companies can generate revenue by marketing flexible loads.
• Energy storage module
  Storage facilities will become more and more important to compensate for fluctuations on the generation and demand side. This module provides an overview of current and future storage options.
• Combined heat and power generation module
  The increasing quantities of renewable energy require flexible use of combined heat and power plants. This module provides information on options in this area.
• Renewable energy module
  By 2050, renewable energy is to account for 80 percent of gross electricity generation. The module provides an overview of the challenges to be overcome and the current development status.
• Conventional generation module
  Conventional power plants are required to guarantee a reliable supply around the clock throughout the year. This module reveals options for retrofitting and improving the flexibility of conventional power plants.
• Electricity market module
  The electricity market design of the future must permit investments in renewable energy and guaranteed power plant capacity. This module provides an overview of current and future development.