Interdisciplinary Research

Admittedly, the name sounds like something from outer space. But our ESA keeps its feet firmly on the ground – analyzing how our energy supply can become more sustainable, secure, and economical.

The Energy System Analysis (ESA) department at Fraunhofer IFAM began its work in September 2013 – since then, it has stood for interdisciplinary research and concrete answers to the major challenges of the energy transition. But the roots of ESA go back further, specifically to 1990, when the Bremen Energy Institute (BEI) was founded. This institute was founded on the initiative of the Bremen Senate to examine issues of sustainable energy supply from various perspectives.

The integration of the BEI into Fraunhofer IFAM created a new unit that combined many years of expertise in energy technology and economics with the institute's fields of research. 

From the outset, the goal was clearly defined:

Holistic solutions for sustainable, economical, and secure energy systems.

 

The ESA combines expertise in engineering, geography, and economics – a combination that creates real added value for customers. This is because complex challenges in the energy transition can only be solved sustainably if technical feasibility, spatial conditions, and economic framework conditions are considered together.

This diversity of perspectives enables the team to analyze energy systems holistically and develop customized recommendations for action. Whether it's the integration of renewable energies, combined heat and power, sector coupling, the transition to more electric mobility in transportation, or the transformation of heating, gas, and electricity grids – ESA thinks in a networked and solution-oriented way.

Early on, ESA contributed its expertise to heat planning, where geodata was used in building-specific resolution for the first time – a methodological milestone. In doing so, the team set standards for targeted planning in the field of municipal energy transition.

This allows customers to benefit from sound, practical concepts that combine technical innovation with strategic planning.

 

Challenges and vision of ESA

The energy transition is complex:

it requires the coupling of different sectors such as transport, heating, and electricity, and brings with it political, economic, and technical challenges.

ESA aims to identify an individual approach for each issue that combines scientific theory with practical application. It operates at the interface between science, business, and administration to address the challenges faced by target groups such as ministries, network operators, cities, and companies.

A central aspect of its work is to close existing knowledge gaps, provide recommendations for action, and implement these directly together with the stakeholders. This results in forward-looking projects that offer guidance and highlight perspectives. 

 

Key achievements and progress

Whether it's converting logistics fleets for climate-friendly transport or supporting cities and energy suppliers in the heat transition, ESA not only provides theoretical approaches but also works closely with companies, local authorities, and political institutions. As a research department, ESA is independent, which makes its findings particularly valuable. The results of the research are also directly applied in practice, thus creating real added value.

In addition, ESA supports federal and state ministries with scientific expertise and analyses that serve as a basis for strategic decisions. The department thus plays an important role in shaping and supporting the German energy transition.

 

Today and tomorrow

Since its inception, ESA has demonstrated how interdisciplinary research can drive the transformation of energy systems. With a mix of expertise, practical experience, and innovative strength, the team is making an important contribution to sustainable energy supply – and ESA's story is far from over.

The energy transition stays in motion, and ESA remains at the heart of it.