Future of energy: TUM inspires students about renewable technologies

Future of energy: TUM inspires students about renewable technologies

On April 9, 2025, the research group of Technical University of Munich (TUM) an innovative laboratory for sustainable energy systems opened. This innovative project aims to inspire children and young people about the challenges of the energy transition and the use of renewable energies. The laboratory offers students the opportunity to observe the energy consumption of household appliances in real time and thus develop a feeling for the influence of technology on their everyday life.

Professor Thomas Hamacher, one of the project leaders, emphasizes that creating a sustainable world is a global challenge. The laboratory aims to introduce young people to practical applications of household appliances, renewable energy, energy efficiency and the possibilities of saving energy. “We want to make technology and sustainable energy systems tangible,” says Hamacher. The target group is primarily children and young people in order to sensitize them to technical careers and the energy transition.

Transformation paths to climate neutrality

In addition, the development of sustainable systems is accompanied by current studies. A comprehensive analysis of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) deals with the transformation paths to Germany's climate neutrality by 2045. This study, which is based on the Bundestag resolution on the Climate Protection Act of June 2021, examines four scenarios that reflect various social and geopolitical developments.

The analysis covers all major sectors, including energy, industry, buildings and transport. A central aspect is also the consideration of technical CO2 sinks that contribute to achieving climate goals. The REMod energy system model is used to map Germany at the federal state level and thus take into account the structural factors of the individual federal states as well as the role of federalism.

Social factors and challenges

Another important point of the study is the energy policy exchange within Germany, especially with regard to electricity and hydrogen. Taking technical, social and geopolitical factors into account is crucial for the success of the energy transition. Given the complex challenges associated with this transformation, the TUM initiative shows that raising awareness of future generations about sustainability and technology is of great importance.

Overall, the developments at TUM and the analyzes by Fraunhofer ISE make it clear how important it is to introduce young people to the topics of renewable energies and energy efficiency. In this way, the foundations are laid for a sustainable future in which technologies and environmental protection go hand in hand.