Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology

The Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel researches for the national and international transformation of energy systems.

The research project “PnP grids - Grid-forming control for distributed power converters” has been honoured with the 10th ISGAN Award of Excellence. The prize, which is awarded by the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) in cooperation with the Global Smart Energy Federation (GSEF), honours outstanding innovations in the field of smart grid technologies.

The Fraunhofer IEE has developed an underwater energy storage system that transfers the principle of pumped storage power plants to the seabed. After a successful field test with a smaller model in Lake Constance, the researchers are now preparing a test run off the Californian coast with partners.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE in Kassel has a new leader: Prof. Dr. Martin Braun is taking over as the new director of the research institute on November 1, 2024. He is also a professor for sustainable electrical energy systems at the University of Kassel.

A new study from the Fraunhofer IEE has analysed the economic effects on the European energy system of introducing offshore hydrogen production. The study considers the expansion of the German 70 GW buildout target of offshore wind and examines the economic effects by allowing offshore hydrogen production on two energy islands connected with 10 GW offshore wind each, compared to a scenario where all electricity from offshore wind farms is transported to shore and can be used within the German energy market without further restrictions.

As part of the "Modular, regenerative and self-sufficient energy supply with H2 technology" (MarrakEsH) project, six partners are working on the development and practical testing of new technologies for self-sufficient energy generation and storage using green hydrogen.

The SecDER project has developed a new type of protection system that automatically protects virtual power plants with decentralized energy systems against outages. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect cyberattacks and faults. 

It is not always possible to install as much capacity on designated wind energy areas as originally assumed. . As part of the joint project, MENTOR, the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE is in the process of developing models and methods that show how local restrictions affect the wind energy outputs and yields that can be realized in each case.