Innovative technologies
Innovative solutions are urgently needed to meet the diverse and numerous challenges posed by a successful energy transition.
They play a key role in improving energy efficiency, optimizing energy generation and storage, and integrating renewables into the existing energy system. Innovations are needed in various areas.
New technologies and approaches to energy efficiency are needed to reduce energy consumption and use resources more efficiently. This includes, for example, the development of energy-efficient buildings and household appliances, smart grids, efficient industrial processes and advanced mobility solutions.
Energy efficiency technologies:
New technologies and approaches to energy efficiency are needed to reduce energy consumption and use resources more efficiently. This includes, for example, the development of energy-efficient buildings and household appliances, smart grids, efficient industrial processes and advanced mobility solutions.
Production methods:
Innovative production methods reduce the use of fossil fuels in industry and enable more sustainable production. These include, for example, the switch to renewable energies in production processes, the implementation of circular economy concepts and the development of environmentally friendly materials and processes.
Storage:
The development of efficient energy storage
technologies is crucial to balance the fluctuations in electricity generation from renewable sources and to ensure a continuous supply. Innovative solutions such as battery storage, power-to-X-
Technologies (e.g. power-to-gas, power-to-heat) and heat storage systems play an important role in the integration of renewables into the energy system.
Transmission:
Ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable transmission of electricity over long distances is of elementary importance – especially for the use of renewable energy sources in remote areas. Innovative solutions such as high-voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) and intelligent power grids (smart grids) are needed here.
Integration solutions:
Successful integration of renewables requires innovative solutions to balance fluctuations in power generation and enable optimal matching of supply and demand. These include intelligent grid control systems, virtual power plants, demand response technologies and energy management systems that enable the efficient and flexible use of renewable energies.
Examples of innovative solutions and technologies
in European countries
Through investment in research and development, collaboration between government, industry and research institutions, and targeted funding programs, the countries of Europe are providing targeted support for innovations that contribute to the successful implementation of a sustainable energy future.
- Germany has established itself as a pioneer in the development and implementation of renewable energies, driving groundbreaking innovations in areas such as photovoltaic technologies, solar module efficiency and integrated energy systems.
- In Denmark, innovative solutions have been developed for the expansion of offshore wind energy. The country has developed advanced wind power technologies, including larger and more efficient wind turbines, and is a leader in integrating wind energy into the power grid.
- Sweden has focused on the development of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings and has introduced innovative building materials and concepts to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. Sweden has also been a pioneer in the use of biomass for heat generation, producing advanced technologies to convert biomass into renewable gas.
- The Netherlands has focused on the expansion of smart grids and the promotion of electromobility. Innovative solutions have been found here to enable the integration of decentralized energy generation, such as solar and wind power, while expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
- Norway plays a significant role in the development of energy storage technologies, especially in the field of hydrogen production and use. The country has developed advanced electrolysis processes and hydrogen infrastructure and is increasing its use of green hydrogen in sectors such as transportation and industry.
