Germany’s energy landscape

DLR energy system analysis

How would the power supply system in Germany look if a large proportion of the electricity were generated using renewable forms of energy? This interactive exhibit shows different scenarios, depending on weather conditions and demand. For instance, what happens if solar and wind power produce more electricity than is being consumed? Conversely, what happens if the demand cannot be met during a time of very low solar and wind power production? The exhibit shows that achieving energy security in Germany requires different forms of technology and the networking of the various regions. It also illustrates how energy storage will play a key role in future systems, and that there may be certain scenarios where conventional power plants, ideally gas-fred power stations, will also enter into the equation.

DLR Energy Systems Analysis is examining the optimal use of energy as afforded by the options presented here. In doing so, it provides valuable insights that help facilitate the successful implementation of the Energy Transition. It uses scientifc methods to identify and assess the economic, environmental and societal effects in a forward-looking way, by investigating the potential paths that such a transformation might follow. Emphasis is placed on a high level of transparency and the comparability of methods and data in order to ensure a sound, reliable basis for the development and assessment of different courses of action. Decision-makers from the felds of science, industry, politics and social affairs thus receive evidence-based guidance that contributes to the development of long-term research priorities and the drawing up of policy framework conditions relating to energy, the environment and research.

Due to its relevance for decision-making in Germany and abroad, energy systems analysis is an important part of DLR’s energy research. With about 60 researchers at present and plans to increase the number of employees to around 80, split between the Oldenburg and Stuttgart sites, there is wide-ranging and diverse expertise available to provide advice on and address current technological and systems-related issues.

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Carsten Hoyer-Klick · E-Mail: carsten.hoyer-klick@dlr.de · DLR.de/en