The energy world of tomorrow and the people in view
The research program SINTEG develops blueprints for the energy future and brings the population on board. It has already achieved a lot in Lusatia.
On the 11. and 12. September 2019, the annual conference of the SINTEG project took place in Kassel. It is the most important annual meeting on energy transition ideas and innovative model solutions for the future of energy supply. Topics at this year's conference included data-driven business models, the digitization of networks and the possibilities of involving local people.
In his opening speech and in talks, State Secretary for Energy, Andreas Feicht, praised the high level of commitment on the part of the participants, the courage to invest in the private sector and the spirit of community. There was a special atmosphere, said Feicht, characterized by enthusiasm, a spirit of discovery and a close exchange between very different partners.
High expectations for SINTEG solutions
The expectations of the ideas and solutions developed with SINTEG are high. By 2020 "blueprints" are to be developed with which the challenges of a climate-friendly energy supply can be mastered. For example in regions affected by structural change such as Lausitz, where the first Lausitz conference with 200 participants took place last week in Schwarze Pump (Spremberg). The showcase "WindNODE", which is funded by the BMWi within the framework of the SINTEG program, had invited together with the State Chancellery of Brandenburg and the Institute for Climate Protection, Energy and Mobility (IKEM). Specific energy projects were presented that will strengthen the economic power of Lusatia and secure and create jobs in future-oriented industries.
More than 1.000 participants and 300 project partners
The ideas and solutions for such questions come from the SINTEG projects, which involve more than 1.000 participants, which are distributed among some 300 project partners in five model regions and all 16 federal states. They will test how nearly every 100 percent of renewable energy sources can produce energy, how energy can be consumed, how electricity grids and electricity storage can interact intelligently.
People can also experience this spirit of research and its results on site. As part of many different creative projects and unusual event formats, the SINTEG experts in their regions throughout Germany provide information on the energy transition. The actions should inspire the local people and encourage them to participate.
Here everyone can experience and shape the energy future
This has also been achieved with “WindNODE”. The showcase includes the federal states in northeast Germany. The focus of the project is on the one hand storage technologies such as large batteries, options for sector coupling such as electric cars or electrical heat generation ("power-to-heat") and, on the other hand, electricity customers as flexible consumers. In the annual ideas competition "WindNODE Challenge" everyone has the chance to help shape the energy transition. In 2018, a start-up was won that develops road surfaces from photovoltaic modules to generate electricity from solar energy. In 2019, the competition within the framework of the role play "Energy Transition Game" will aim to promote mutual understanding among the many actors involved in the energy system. Students and managers from the industry will be there.
Interactive energy transition model in the north on the way
In Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, an interactive energy transition model will be exhibited in the model region of the “NEW 4.0” showcase as part of a roadshow at various locations. With four so-called "augmented reality screens" on the four by two meter exhibit, interested parties can playfully explore the challenges that the energy supply is facing in their region and how these can be overcome.
“Route of Energy” shows building blocks for the power grid of the future
Along the “Route of Energy”, “building blocks” for the power grid of the future can be visited and experienced interactively. The route connects the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland and is part of the "Designetz" showcase. Here, experts test how distribution networks can be intelligently controlled in the future. At bus stops designed as information pillars near the projects, not only is knowledge about the project conveyed. There, those interested will also find a so-called marker that can be photographed, which in combination with the Designetz app creates a three-dimensional, interactive energy world. Visitors can, for example, playfully blow the wind or convert excess electricity into gas and heat.
"C / sells": How small energy cells largely take care of themselves
The “C / sells” shop window relies on an energy system in which small energy “cells” - for example a region, a district or individual houses - are largely self-sufficient. It includes the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Hesse. “C / sells” experts have developed an innovative event format called “Tram Talk”. Everyone can discuss the future of energy with experts from the consumer advice center, municipal utilities and researchers during a tram ride. The possibilities of active participation in the energy transition can also be discussed. Lectures and the opportunity to exchange ideas about the opportunities and challenges on the way to the energy transition were also offered by a Lake Constance tour on the “Helio” solar ferry. For example, it was discussed how private homes with solar systems and storage systems can be meaningfully integrated into the electricity system.
"Enera" is investigating how the electricity system can become more flexible
In the model region of "enera", the showcase in northwest Lower Saxony, large amounts of wind energy are generated, for the transport of which the grid capacity is not always sufficient. The project partners are concentrating on the question of how the electricity system can become more flexible in order, among other things, to optimally use the wind resources in the region. To get people in Friesland and East Frisia to actively participate in "enera", two employees started a road trip. They rode across the region on cargo bikes. They talked to residents about the possibilities of each individual to participate in the energy transition.
Another creative event idea at “enera” is the “Barcamp Dangast”. The participants set the agenda and the topics of discussion together - including, for example, the renewable energy future, mobility, digitization, new learning and working. In the discussion rounds, the “enera” experts learn a lot about the opinions of the local people. The results flow directly into your work.
Real laboratories for the energy transition
Each of the five shop windows works like a "real laboratory" that develops sample solutions for the technical, economic and regulatory challenges of the energy transition (you can find out more about real laboratories here). The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is funding SINTEG with a total of more than 200 million euros. Together with the investments of the more than 300 companies participating in the program, this brings together more than 500 million euros.
BMWi / ISE - September 2019
