ENERGY TRANSITION AND ECOSYSTEMS

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way we use and manage energy. The connection of different devices and systems creates new opportunities to create a more sustainable energy supply.

By integrating IoT devices, such as smart meters, consumers can monitor and analyze their energy consumption in real time. These devices collect data on electricity usage and make it available to users through an online application.
By connecting decentralized renewable energy sources, such as solar systems or wind farms, with IoT, energy providers can integrate the generated electricity into the power grid more efficiently. Smart technologies can predict energy demand and control renewable energy production accordingly to ensure the optimal use of green energy sources.

Using IoT and data analysis algorithms, energy providers can forecast energy demand across different sectors. These forecasts allow for efficient energy production and distribution, as energy providers can plan their resources accordingly. This leads to optimized use of energy sources and a reduction in excess capacity.

The term “smart grid” describes the communicative connection of the actors in the energy system from generation to transportation, storage, distribution, consumption, and the energy supply network. The basic idea is to include in the system all devices that are connected to the electrical grid in a “plug & play” manner. This creates an integrated network of data and energy with structures and functionalities that have great potential.

A smart grid optimally coordinates the generation, storage, and consumption of energy and compensates for fluctuations in performance. This operates through information and communication technologies. Alongside the electrical grid, a data network is being created that intelligently regulates fluctuations in energy supply on the grid. Furthermore, electricity consumption through the smart grid can be used to enable greater electricity usage by end-users utilizing dynamic electricity rates to better manage surpluses.

Energy storage is not the same as electricity storage: for greater technical accuracy, it should be noted that electricity is not stored, but rather the energy potential of the respective energy source. Depending on how the different storage systems operate, distinctions are made between mechanical, kinetic, chemical, or electrical storage. It does not matter what forms of energy are used for charging and discharging. In the case of a battery, for example, charging is done with electrical energy, but storage is in the form of chemical energy. Gas or liquid fuel tanks, on the other hand, absorb chemical energy and release it again without loss. However, the form of energy determines the type of storage used. With the growing expansion of photovoltaic and wind energy, interest in electrical energy storage has significantly increased.

The EU’s climate strategy calls for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030 and total decarbonization by 2050. This poses enormous challenges, especially for manufacturing companies, because many preliminary products and raw materials already have high CO2 emissions even before being processed.

One of the solutions involves developing strategies to achieve a sustainable circular economy and turning resources and raw materials into multifunctional items by constructing circular value chains.

As a central driving force, decarbonization, or more precisely: defossilization, meaning the replacement of carbon-containing products currently made from fossil raw materials, is at the heart of efforts to curb climate change. Efficient technologies play an essential role if we want to maintain our standard of living while using raw materials efficiently. Processing sustainable raw materials and waste from biological or circular sources requires optimized processes in the collection, preparation, and processing of raw materials into innovative products for the creation of sustainable value. Decarbonization or defossilization affects not only the energy supply for production processes but also the value chains of products, including the utilization of exhaust gases and by-products of production.

The bet on fossil fuels has shaped the organization and growth of our cities so decisively that today there are structural dependencies.

Cities consume 75% of the world’s primary energy, especially in the areas of construction and mobility. Our cities are car-oriented, and most buildings were constructed without considering energy standards. Research activities on comprehensive solutions will pave the way to promote the development of environmentally friendly cities. This means more quality of life, health, secure supplies, and social cohesion for urban residents.

Pioneering cities are advancing together and developing practical and climate-effective solutions for energy and mobility transition, which should be implemented and disseminated quickly.