Sustainable energy systems

Tehnologies and transformation processes for the energy transition

At around two thirds, energy-related greenhouse gas emissions make up the majority of total greenhouse gas emissions. The UN's first report on the SDGs (Global Sustainable Development Report, 2019) has therefore identified decarbonisation and universal access to energy as one of six strategically important levers for a transformation towards sustainable development. The German government and the EU are also pursuing the goal of accelerating the transformation of energy systems.

The aim of sustainable energy systems is to minimise environmental pollution, combat climate change and ensure a reliable energy supply for society without depleting or damaging natural resources.

By addressing this research focus area, the aim is to contribute to the development of technologies and transformation approaches for a sustainable energy transition. The focus area addresses topics relating to the generation, distribution, storage, provision and utilisation of energy. It includes sustainable energy sources, conversion processes and technologies for sustainable energy processes.

Spokesperson

Dipl.-Ing. Harald Gentischer

Materials for battery cells and battery cell technology development

+49 761 4588-5658

harald.gentischer@ise.fraunhofer.de

Thematic fields

Sustainable and safe batteries
Electrochemical energy storage refers to the storage of energy in chemical form that can later be converted into electrical energy. It plays an important role in the storage and utilisation of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy and their use in the context of sustainable mobility. The thematic focus is specifically on batteries as mobile and stationary energy storage systems.
Sustainable and resilient electricity supply
Sustainable and resilient power supply refers to a power supply system that is resistant and robust in the face of disruptions and crises. The sustainable and resilient provision of electrical energy is also based on the criteria of resilience, economic efficiency and environmental compatibility. In addition to the actual electricity supply system, a systemic approach takes into account all key players (e.g. electricity producers, local authorities, associations, etc.) in the relevant dimensions and issues (e.g. technical potential, economic potential, legal basis).
Hydrogen technologies
The electrochemical energy conversion of hydrogen refers to the process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa using electrochemical reactions. It makes it possible to store electrical energy from renewable sources and retrieve it when needed, which contributes to the integration of renewable energies into the power grid. Technologies that use hydrogen as an energy carrier are particularly promising for the future.