Research Group Renewable Energies

Team:

Danial Esmaeili Aliabadi (Group Team Lead)
Matthias Jordan
Reinhold Lehneis
David Manske
Nora Mittelstädt
Frazer Musonda
Mohammad Sadr
Björn Schinkel

The research group Renewable Energies works on two main topics: systems modelling of biomass usage as well as spatial analyses of all renewable energies. We cover all renewables and energy sectors, including also some parts of the wider bioeconomy, such as chemistry. We perform monitoring of the current state as well as modelling of future scenarios.

The following topics are currently being worked on:

• Systems analysis of renewable resources (monitoring, optimal use/allocation, site analysis)
• Spatially explicit, high-resolution and nationwide GIS analyses and monitoring of renewable energies and their environmental impacts
• Development of a unique spatial and temporal data set on renewable energy plants in Germany
• System modelling (simulation or optimisation) across energy and bioeconomy sectors with high-quality bioenergy data
• Analysis throughout the entire biomass supply chain, using a systems perspective
  

In order to assess the topics, models are developed and utilised. For the systems modeling, BENSIM (BioENergy SImulation Model) and BENOPT (BioENergy OPTimisation model) are constantly being expanded in order to answer larger research questions. For the spatial analyses, GIS (Geographical Information System) methods are used and developed.

Ongoing Projects:

BioNET - Multi-level Assessment of Bio-based Negative Emission Technologies

Agri-Transform

EEMonReport - Options for implementing a monitoring of the nature-conservation compatible expansion of renewable energies and networks in the electricity sector

Completed projects:

BalanceE - Synergies, interactions and competitions in balancing fluctuating renewables in the power sector with renewable options

BE20plus - Bioenergy - Potentials, long-term perspectives and strategies for systems for power generation after 2020 [only in german]

BEniVer - Accompanying research on the energy transition in transport

BEPASO - Bioeconomy 2050: Potentials, conflicting goals, solution strategies

Bioplan W - System solutions for bioenergy in the heating sector in the context of future developments

BKSQuote - Study on the design of biofuel legislation

EE-Monitor - Monitoring of nature protection implications of the expansion of renewable energy in the power sector and the development of instruments for the mitigation of impacts on nature and the scenic value of the landscape

FlächEn - Sustainable land use in the area of conflicting environmental policy objectives using the example of wind energy generation [only in german]

FLEXSIGNAL - Concepts for a demand-driven, cost-effective and climate friendly electricity production from bioenergy plants

Helmholtz impulse and networking fund project for a bioenergy department [only in german]

HI-CAM - Helmholtz Climate Initiative - Adaptation Project 9

InPositiv – Indirect positive contributions of renewable energies to nature conservation

KonditorGas - Industrial process heat generation through catalytic conditioning of synthesis gases

Milestones 2030 - Elements and milestones for the development of a viable sustainable bioenergy strategy

RE and water balance - impact of the use of renewable energies on the water balance - analysis of water withdrawals for cooling [only in german]

SoBio - Scenarios of optimal energetic biomass usage until 2030 and 2050

TATBio - Techno-economic analysis and transformation paths of the energetic biomass potential

Models:

EE-Monitor - Monitoring for a nature-friendly energy transition

Is the expansion of renewable energies taking place in a way that is compatible with nature? The expansion of renewable energies affects species, habitats and landscapes: Power lines, wind energy plants, photovoltaic systems and other technologies for the use of renewable energies require space and their expansion interferes with the habitats of animal and plant species and the landscape. Whether the expansion of renewable energies is compatible with nature depends on many factors. Against this background, the EE-Monitor provides a scientifically sound basis for a social debate on the nature-friendly expansion of renewable energies in Germany. The EE-Monitor supports the identification of undesirable developments and positive trends in the expansion of renewable energy.

Link: EE-Monitor