Welcome to the section "Integrated Energy Systems"

The "Integrated Energy Systems" (INES) department researches the transformation of energy supply systems. To this end, target systems are formulated at regional, national and global level and transition paths are determined on the basis of existing energy systems. The design of the target systems is subject to complex boundary conditions and includes the categories of climate protection, resource availability, applicable technologies and economic efficiency. Increasingly, social issues are also being added. These are questions of society's overall understanding of the interrelationships, as well as questions of participation, co-determination and co-ownership of the new energy infrastructures.

These questions are methodically addressed by systems science. Models are created for the technical, economic and social dimensions. These models are used to carry out simulations in which the effect of changes to certain influencing parameters can then be studied. The models of the different dimensions can be coupled to enable integrated techno-economic-social considerations. The subunits of such models are often complex themselves, as they often have to replicate human actor behavior. This is where the methodology of agent-based modeling comes into play. The models can in turn be embedded in optimization systems. This results in machine-based decision support systems.

On the basis of this methodological expertise, the department fulfills a social mission. This is because a major obstacle to the energy transition is the sheer complexity of the respective transformation projects. These hurdles can be overcome by computerized decision support systems. The department organizes so-called "decision workshops" as a communication method. In this format, the decision-makers come together with their various areas of expertise. Decision-making is supported in a moderated form and with multi-media preparation of the computer tools. The addressees of these "Decision Workshops" are decision-makers from politics and business, local authorities and companies.

Based on this research background, the department offers students university education in the form of various lectures and thus the opportunity to enter this pioneering field. The department offers a variety of approaches for graduate work, from Bachelor's and Master's degrees to doctorates.