Paderborn's scientists: revolutionize the energy transition with AI and solar cells!

Paderborn's scientists: revolutionize the energy transition with AI and solar cells!

Scientists of the University of Paderborn dedicate themselves intensively to the challenges of the energy transition. Your goal is to research the conditions for success for a sustainable energy future and to develop holistic solutions. They work closely with business and corporate partners to develop innovative concepts.

A central research field is sustainable process heat. In addition, the focus is on circular economy, energy storage and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in climate protection. Scientists are striving to develop a system that supplies buildings with electricity, heat, cold and fresh air at the same time. This system relies on renewable energies and is intended to impress with its energy efficiency.

Real-world laboratories for climate-friendly solutions

A project is currently underway to modernize the energy efficiency of apartment buildings in neighborhoods. Digital tools are used here to increase energy efficiency. A key innovation is the development of an AI-based energy manager that is able to precisely predict and control energy demand and supply.

Research into improved solar cells is also being pursued to increase efficiency. Neighborhoods in Bielefeld, Borchen and Verl are used as real-world laboratories for climate-friendly solutions. Taking technical, social and economic aspects into account, an interdisciplinary project consortium is developing effective solutions to ensure climate protection, energy security and economic efficiency through intelligent networking.

Strategies for the energy transition

In addition to university research, the “Energy Efficiency 2050 Roadmap” plays a role Fraunhofer ISI reports a central role. This federal government dialogue forum aims to promote progress in energy efficiency and develop cross-sector strategies for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. An exchange between science, business and civil society is essential in order to develop concrete instruments and measures.

Specific attention is paid to the Digitalization Working Group, which, under the leadership of Fraunhofer ISI, is investigating what energy requirements the AI ​​itself has and what energy saving potential is possible through its use. This could be crucial for the future direction of the energy transition.

The path to climate neutrality

The comprehensive study of Fraunhofer ISE looks at the transformation paths to Germany's climate neutrality by 2045. It is based on the Bundestag resolution on the Climate Protection Act of June 2021 and analyzes four scenarios that reflect different social and geopolitical developments. A particular focus is on transforming the energy system at the federal state level.

The investigation of the energy, industry, buildings and transport sectors is central. Technical CO2 sinks and negative emission technologies are also included in the considerations. The use of the REMod energy system model enables a detailed analysis of the energy exchange within Germany, which also takes structural factors of the federal states and the importance of federalism into account.

Overall, it is clear that various approaches and collaborations within science and industry are required in order to achieve the ambitious climate goals and shape a sustainable energy future.