renewable energy

The phase-out of nuclear energy decided by the politicians and the goal of significantly aligning the energy mix with renewable energies will give the industry great growth potential. Digitalization and the resulting technologies, such as sensors, robotics and assistance systems, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality, are helping companies realise their potential. The study “Industrialization of the Wind Industry” by the Technical University of Munich has shown that digitalization will have a positive effect on the “Levelized Cost of Energy” (LCOE).

The economic benefits of photovoltaic systems under Germany’s current legislative conditions (EEG 2017) were investigated in two small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The energy demand of the case SMEs is very distinct in volume, type, and profile. With the aid of a simulation, direct consumption of expected renewable energy generation and resulting energy exchange with the grid were calculated. The results were analysed from an economic viewpoint using economic indicators.

The assembly and usage of offshore wind energy plants will increase during the next years. The German government updated the Renewable Energies Act in 2009 which pushes the offshore development ahead. One German offshore wind energy park has been assembled and put into operation so far. Transport, construction and assembly underlie strong influences like weather conditions on sea as well as material availability. The presented article shows these influences and a concept in which adaptive planning and control strategies are used to keep the overall process under control.