Energy System

Germany is facing the challenge of converting its electricity system to renewable energies. Far-reaching changes to the electricity market are necessary to make this transition a success. Researchers from the Kopernikus project Ariadne have identified 18 possible measures that can help to create a flexible and efficient electricity system. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence CINES are part of the consortium.

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The EU prioritizes expanding hydrogen infrastructure. To plan effectively, they need to understand hydrogen's future role in the energy system, which remains uncertain. An analysis shows that a robust European hydrogen system is essential for cost-effective and sustainable energy, integrating renewables through electrolyzers, storage, and transport networks.

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This article deals with the current market situation of electricity, gas and heating grid companies. Based on a survey of 1,024 grid companies in Germany and a total of 11 expert interviews, the study highlights synergies and competitive situations as well as opportunities, challenges and different organizational structures.

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Investigation of the generation of process heat for 13 industrial sectors from the metal and mineral industries as well as steam generation as a cross-industry technology with a focus on a future switch to greenhouse gas-neutral process heat generation.

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Model-based analysis of possible transformation paths towards climate neutrality

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The impact of industrial transition on a CO₂-neutral European energy system. The study analyzes in particular the role of electrification and hydrogen in terms of CO₂ reduction.

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Investigation of the use of energy flexibility options in a real residential district. Electrical and thermal consumption and generation time series from a calendar year were used to simulate various scenarios and evaluate them using certain key performance indicators.

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This study discusses the development and implementation of measures to ensure a transition to full decarbonization of the heating and cooling sector in buildings and industry by 2050.

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The Schwedt refinery site is an important fuel supplier for eastern Germany. This paper presents concept ideas for a medium and long-term raw material supply to achieve a climate-neutral product portfolio at the site.

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Here you will find all the  presentations from  the workshop on 26.10.2022.

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This policy brief analyzes the impact of the energy crisis on the transformation of the German energy system towards climate neutrality by 2045 and strategies for eliminating Germany's dependence on Russian natural gas imports.

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This scenario analysis models the policy instrument mix as of January 2022 regarding a climate-neutral industry.

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Due to the sharp decline and uncertain future of pipeline-based natural gas supplies from Russia, new market conditions for fossil gas are currently emerging in Germany. This analysis discusses the availability and competitiveness of green hydrogen.

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This paper analyzes and evaluates the policy measures in terms of climate targets at national and European level.

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European gas supply security from a technical and economic perspective in light of interrupted supplies from Russia.

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This report addresses topics concerning the energy transition and focuses on potential (digital) solutions to enable an electricity system based on renewable energy.

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Extensive analyses are required to redesign European gas infrastructures that are resilient to supply disruptions and sustainable in terms of climate neutrality. This paper summarizes data and information on current and planned gas infrastructures as a basis for such analyses.

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Find out how a CO₂-neutral energy system will work in 2050 and what role hydrogen will play in this.

WebsiteFraunhofer Wasserstoff-Story

Scientific background

Policy Overview

The study aims to show how the current electricity market design needs to be adjusted in order to ensure the flexibility required to guarantee security of supply, refinance renewable energies and the economic viability of sector coupling technologies.

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This scenario analysis presents specific transformation paths towards climate neutrality in 2045 on the basis of a comprehensive model comparison for Germany.

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Experts from Fraunhofer CINES have identified key challenges and solutions with regard to the European and national climate protection targets for this legislative period.

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This paper aims to formulate the key findings and necessities for the successful implementation of the energy transition, focusing on technical and systemic aspects.

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