Driving digitalisation and innovation
The energy system of the future needs to be a digital one. Innovations are essential in this regard.
The only way to effectively control a decentralised energy system with millions of producers and even more flexible consumers is to use digital tools. We need to make rapid progress with this second, digital transformation through the targeted development and expansion of the digital infrastructure and smart concepts for leveraging data. We need new and innovative technologies and business models, in addition to the tried and tested ones, for the transformation to climate neutrality. How will we guarantee secure data transmission and reliable data integrity in the future? What type of data governance will we need to establish? And how can we put innovations into practice in a targeted manner?
Digital infrastructure
Digitalisation is crucial for the successful decarbonisation of the energy system. Technologies such as smart meters provide accurate consumption data in real time and support efficient energy management. Reliable data transmission and secure data hosting ensure data availability and integrity. At the same time, sensitive information must be protected from attacks and misuse. Renewable energies can be utilised efficiently with this digital infrastructure, and it is possible to operate a sustainable energy system.
Smart metering
Regardless of whether automated system control, dynamic electricity rates or grid operation based on real-time data, at the heart of all these applications are intelligent metering systems called smart meters. This technology gives rise to a complex system with defined roles, processes, technical specifications and products. The aim is for smart metering systems to provide added value for the overall system, while at the same time being secure and interoperable.
Data hosting
Data hosting is a central component of digitalisation and a prerequisite for the intelligent transformation of the energy system. Important tasks in data hosting are the availability, security and scalability of all data that is crucial for the control and optimisation of energy flows. For example, an interoperable data exchange can be implemented using Redispatch 3.0 as the basis. The energy data spaces created in this way offer great potential for monitoring, control and automation in the energy industry.
Data transmission
The secure end-to-end digital exchange of energy data is essential for data transmission. This functionality is also an essential prerequisite for successful sector coupling in the energy system. Data exchange across sectors can accelerate the transformation process and increase market efficiency.
Cybersecurity
As the world of energy becomes increasingly networked, the importance of cybersecurity grows. Cyberattacks are on the rise worldwide, including in the energy industry and on critical infrastructures. The exchange of experience on cyberattacks offers great potential for increasing resilience, in addition to implementing concrete protective measures. This requires publicly available reports and an institutionalised platform that enables dialogue in a trusted context and a coordinated approach. This allows the costs and complexity of cybersecurity to be optimised along the value chain.
Data use
Data are information. And the basis for any successful digitalisation process is having this information, leveraging it and connecting it. Data enable us to precisely control and optimise our energy system. We can make energy flows more efficient and manage renewable energies better by analysing data intelligently and using artificial intelligence. Careful data governance ensures that data are not only managed securely and in high quality, but also shared sensibly. The efficient use of this data improves grid stability and reduces costs.
Data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI)
The transformation needed in the digital revolution will receive a boost from AI, which will help overcome particularly complex challenges. Data analysis and AI can be used to quickly analyse large volumes of data and provide immediate decision-making tools. AI can optimise energy flows and improve the integration of renewable energies through precise forecasts. AI also offers particularly high added value in the energy infrastructure. The comprehensive tasks of grid planning, operation and maintenance are easier to manage with AI and processes can be organised more efficiently. For the overall figures, it is important to consider the energy consumption of AI technologies themselves.
Data governance
The use of data requires standardised and binding rules. Efficient data governance for the energy transition ensures that important data are not only stored in data silos at individual companies. It must be possible to share and process them at suitable points, while maintaining the necessary quality and security. Decision-makers from politics and the industry work together to develop the requirements for this. The definition of these standards enables the interoperability of flexible, decentralised systems: an important prerequisite for a functioning overall system.
Efficiency
Efficient use of data is crucial in order to conserve resources and optimise energy consumption. Efficient data analysis means that grid stability can be improved, peak loads avoided and renewable energies better integrated. Intelligent technologies and algorithms enable targeted control and planning, reduce costs and accelerate the energy transition.
Centre of Expertise for Energy Efficiency through Digitalisation (KEDi)
Innovations
Innovations are essential for the transformation to climate neutrality. After all, they offer new solutions to better solve specific tasks and accelerate the process. Thanks to their agility, startups can react quickly to new challenges. New business models create the basis for the efficient use of sustainable technologies and tap new markets and added value. Innovative technologies increase flexibility in the energy system, improve energy storage and reduce carbon emissions.
Startups
Startups are key drivers of transformation. They quickly develop innovative solutions thanks to their agility and willingness to take risks. Their pioneering spirit is indispensable for mastering the challenges of transformation and securing a sustainable future. The right framework conditions, a supportive environment and perseverance are needed so that innovations can be successfully implemented.
Business models
New business models are the operational implementation of transformation in our economic system. They make it possible to tap new markets for products or services. In order to develop and scale these models, we need subsidies and to make changes to the framework conditions. In this manner, innovative approaches can be strengthened and economic opportunities leveraged in order to jointly shape a sustainable energy supply.
Technologies
The development of new technologies and the optimisation of existing ones is essential for the success of the energy transition. These innovations improve the use of renewable energies, increase the flexibility of the grids and optimise energy storage. The transformation requires the continuous further development of technologies in order to reduce carbon emissions, guarantee a security of supply and tap new markets.