Energy system

The "Future-oriented electricity grids" funding initiative gives new impetus for research in Germany. As part of the scheme, technologies and concepts for extending the grid infrastructure are being investigated. Three federal government ministers today gave the starting signal for the funding initiative. Researchers are invited to submit their project plans by 27 March 2013. Read more

Micro-CHP is what experts call the production of heat and electricity by heating systems in the basement. Researchers are currently asking themselves the following questions: What is happening in the area of micro-CHP? How can we coordinate the wide range of technologies for decentralised power plants? What requirements are demanded of cogeneration (CHP)? In Stuttgart, 50 researchers came together to network and exchange current research findings over the course of 15 technical presentations. Everyone is trying to achieve higher electrical efficiencies and lower cost structures – from micro gas turbines right through to heat exchangers. Read more

The major expansion in renewable energies is being accompanied by increasing fluctuations in the electricity grid. This challenge is to be met by high-performance, efficient electricity storage systems. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology is cooperating with RWE Power AG in supporting the "Adiabatic compressed air storage systems for electricity supply" project (German abbreviation: ADELE). Since November 2010, a salt dome in Staßfurt has been the first choice site for the first demonstration plant of its kind in the world. The project has a lot going for it, in the opinion of Prof. Dr. Gerd Jäger. Read more