The DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems (DLR-Institut für Vernetzte Energiesysteme/DLR-VE) in Oldenburg develops technologies and concepts for future energy supply based on renewable energy sources. The major challenge is how to form stable and efficient energy systems from weather-dependent decentralised production units. The research for this transformation process follows a D3 approach (D3 = Decarbonisation, Decentralisation, Digitalisation).
The Institute’s three departments – Urban and Residential Technologies, Energy Systems Technology and Energy Systems Analysis – work on system-related issues for intelligent and efficient linking of the electricity, heating and transport sectors. Systems of all sizes and levels are being investigated, ranging from individual installations and “smart” buildings to networked residential districts and cities. The Institute also evaluates energy systems at national and international levels, using its own network structure models and technology assessment methods.
The Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik GmbH (ZBT) was founded as fuel cell research centre in 2001 by the State of North-Rhine Westphalia and the European Fund for Regional Development and is located in Duisburg, Germany. Focusing on application-oriented R&D ZBT bridges the gap between basic research at the University and requirements of industry. Today ZBT acts as established partner of industry, research institutions and universities in the field of fuel cell and battery technology as well as novel energy technologies. About 90 full time employees work in seven departments: fuel processing, fuel cells and systems, electrochemistry and coating, micro systems and fluid mechanics, hydrogen and batteries, production technology, quality assurance and testing. ZBT is a non-profit, limited company, CEO is Prof. Dr. Angelika Heinzel and shareholder is the University Duisburg-Essen.
