Energy

We offer a wide range of research and consulting services on environmentally-sound energy use and application. Climate protection, resource conservation, and low-risk energy supply are central goals of the German Energy Transition. An efficient energy system primarily based on renewable energy requires efforts and measures across all sectors, i.e. for electricity supply and demand, the heat market, the transport sector, as well as in the context of societal change. Our focus is on untapped or underutilized economic optimization potentials, and on the analysis of the interactions between politics, technology, business interests and individual action. As an established research institute with many years of work experience, we are well connected in an interdisciplinary research network, and we are well-equipped with a range of state-of-the-art modelling tools. Our approach towards current research topics focuses on integrating practical and societal aspects. We offer our consulting services portfolio on renewable energy and energy efficiency to a number of international organisations and governments.

Our expertise

We offer detailed potential studies, simulations, scenario calculations, and technology evaluations. Furthermore, we develop and evaluate policy instruments, devise municipal sustainable energy and climate action plans, and provide consulting and guidance for pilot and model projects. Our target audience includes municipalities, federal states, and the Federal Government as well as consumers, manufacturers, utilities, associations and NGOs.

In addition to state-of-the-art scientific-technological analyses, we strongly promote an approach of communication and transparency based on insights from social sciences and methodology. Thus, we engage in inter- and transdisciplinary research in its most rewarding form. We make a point to include and mobilise existing knowledge and skills for optimal solutions. Interviews, working groups and seminars are among our key work tools.

Our methodologies

Our key research topics

Electricity

In future energy supply systems, electricity generation from fossil fuels such as coal and gas as primary energy sources will be increasingly substituted by renewable energy sources. The sectors heat and transport will be increasingly interlinked with the electricity markets. Efficient electricity supply is a key aspect of the Energy Transition.

Heating

More than half of the final energy demand is consumed by heat applications. In consequence, a ‘heat transition’ based on efficiency and renewable energy is paramount. In addition to the heating and cooling of buildings, hot water supply and process heat and cooling are key areas for future optimisation efforts for entire systems.

Policy instruments and scenarios

The development, evaluation and strategic supervision of measures and strategies in politics and business is a key element of our services. This includes novel national and international policy instruments, such as the building efficiency strategy of the Federal Government, or the strategic advancement of support schemes. Consulting for producers, energy suppliers and professional organisations is equally important.

Sufficiency

Sufficiency as a third sustainability strategy focuses on consumer and user behaviour with the goal of decreased absolute resource and energy consumption. ifeu explores and integrates this topic in a number of projects.

Local climate protection

The ambitious national and international climate goals are unattainable without committed efforts on the municipal level. Municipalities plan, regulate, supply, and act as a role model. Thus, they may greatly influence the energy demand of the general public, local businesses and the industry.

Education

Education and information are vital building blocks for a sustainable society. In recognition of this, we have been committed to environmental education in schools, professional development, and the preparation of information materials for many years.

Contact

Dr. Martin Pehnt

PhD, Dipl. Physiker (graduate in physics)
Scientific and Managing Director
+49 (0)6221 4767 0
martin.pehnt@ifeu.de

Lothar Eisenmann

Dipl. Physiker (graduate in physics)
Scientific and Managing Director
+49 (0)6221 4767 0
lothar.eisenmann@ifeu.de