Prof. Müsgens in the Tagesspiegel on the future of the energy transition
A recent article in the Tagesspiegel newspaper addresses the growing challenges of the energy transition in Germany, in particular the problem of so-called dark doldrums - phases in which wind and solar power are almost completely unavailable. The report describes how Germany was once again reliant on expensive electricity imports, including nuclear and coal-fired power, in December. Without a rapid expansion of storage technologies, flexible power plants and improved infrastructure, there is a risk of supply bottlenecks in the long term.
As the Tagesspiegel further reports, Prof. Felix Müsgens, Head of the Energy Innovation Centre at BTU Cottbus, emphasises that the combination of solar and wind power with battery storage is a significant step forward. Nevertheless, there is a lack of climate-friendly, secure power in Germany. Müsgens warns that a successful energy transition can only be achieved through political commitment, economic investment and technological innovation.
The article also makes it clear that new market models are needed to boost investment in storage technologies and hydrogen infrastructure. Müsgens considers the idea of permanently low electricity prices to be unrealistic, as high costs are incurred for grid expansion and new power plants. In the long term, however, research and technological developments could lead to more favourable electricity prices.
In conclusion, the Tagesspiegel emphasises that decisive measures, interdisciplinary cooperation and continuous research are essential to secure the energy transition. The window of opportunity for decisive decisions is closing. You can find the complete article here: https: //www.tagesspiegel.de/wissen/was-jetzt-die-energiewende-gefahrdet-das-zeitfenster-schliesst-sich-13011916.html
Energy expert Felix Müsgens in an interview with the Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung (MAZ): "We will always face the dilemma: affordable or environmentally friendly."
Prof. Felix Müsgens, head of the Chair of Energy Economics at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, discussed the challenges of the energy transition in a recent interview. The conversation touched on issues such as the impact of prolonged periods with low renewable energy generation ("Dunkelflauten"), the importance of grid expansion, and the role of new storage technologies in achieving a stable, climate-neutral, and cost-effective energy supply.
"The transition to a green energy system costs us tens of billions of euros annually. However, technologies like solar power and battery storage offer significant opportunities to make the energy transition more efficient and affordable," Müsgens emphasized.
He criticized the premature shutdown of modern coal power plants and delays in expanding power grids, which have contributed to higher costs today. At the same time, he expressed optimism: "Solar power will continue to become cheaper in the future and can cover a significant portion of energy demand. Battery technology has already advanced to the point where industrial applications are feasible."
Research at the Energy Innovation Center (EIZ) focuses on solutions for a climate-neutral energy supply. Scientists at BTU are developing innovative approaches to improve the usability of renewable energy and ensure energy security.
For more insights and the full interview, which is unfortunately behind a paywall, click here.
Prof. Müsgens interviewed by Deutschlandfunk Kultur: "Electricity line at a snail's pace - plans for Südlink presented 10 years ago"
The future of the power lines and the challenges involved in implementing the Südlink project are the focus of an informative radio interview with Professor Felix Müsgens published on Deutschlandfunk Kultur.
The interview sheds light on the background and challenges facing the ambitious Südlink project. Since the plans were presented a decade ago, the implementation has proven to be lengthy and complex. In the interview, Prof. Müsgens offers insights into the developments, hurdles and current positions regarding the planned power line.
The contribution, which is available on the Deutschlandfunk Kultur website (link to the program), offers listeners the opportunity to find out more about the background and possible effects of the Südlink route. Among other things, the technical, economic and social aspects of this important infrastructure project will be discussed.
Media representatives and interested parties can access the full interview on the Deutschlandfunk Kultur website. Prof. Müsgens is available for further information or interview requests.
Scientific Advisory & Project Board meeting with the topic "Green base load for industry needs electricity storage".
As part of a preliminary study commissioned by the transmission system operator 50Hertz, the results on the topic of "Green base load for industry" were presented by the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy. This was done during the Scientific Advisory & Project Board meeting on June 21, 2023. The study focused on 24/7 - provision of 1 MW power from renewable energy sources. The key findings of the study are:
- Aggregate RE capacity between 6.3 MW and 7.6 MW is needed to provide 1 MW of green baseload. Short- and long-term storage technologies, as well as sector coupling technologies, play a critical role in limiting the overbuilding of needed renewable generation capacity.
- The cost of 10 cents/kWh is achievable with a renewable share between 90-95% of electricity. However, achieving the last two to five percent of carbon neutrality leads to exponential cost increases driven by storage technologies
Follow this link to the broadcast.
Energy Innovation Center of the Brandenburg Technical University in the broadcast of Brandenburger Begegnungen
Prof. Müsgens talks about the newly founded Energy Innovation Center of the Brandenburg Technical University in the broadcast of Brandenburger Begegnungen - Grüne Energie aus der Lausitz.
Follow this link to listen to the broadcast.
Effects of the war in Ukraine on the German energy system
In an interview with the Chinese television station Phoenix, Prof. Müsgens commented on the effects of the Ukraine war on the German energy system.
Follow this link to hear the full interview.
Challenges of the energy transition: Interview with rbb24
In an interview with rbb24, Prof. Müsgens talks about the goals of the energy transition. The goal of generating 80 percent of Germany's electricity needs from renewable energies is certainly ambitious, but it can be achieved if the right technologies are promoted and the bureaucracy involved in project planning is reduced.
Follow this link to hear the full interview.
International Energy Economics Conference 2023 (IEWT) in Vienna.
During a presentation at the International Energy Economics Conference 2023 (IEWT) in Vienna Prof. Müsgens spoke about the effects of the Ukraine war in the energy market. While the war will have a positive long-term impact on climate protection and the energy transition, in the short term, negative consequences of the conflict are still to be expected. The energy transition will be completed more quickly as a result of the event. On the one hand, natura gas has lost its importance as a bridging technology and on the other, the acceptance of renewable energies and their expansion has risen sharply.
You can access the full article and presentation slides here.
The Chair of Energy Economics is pleased to announce that the BTU Energy Innovation Center project has been given the green light.
On Wednesday, October 12, the 1st phase of the project, which is scheduled to run for a total of ten years, was officially launched. With the participation of 14 BTU chairs and more than 40 other partners, researchers are working to understand the climate-neutral energy supply of the future and to facilitate the energy transition in Lusatia, which is expected to successfully phase out lignite.
Our department is working on topics including "acceptance of wind turbines", "energy system modeling under uncertainty" and "artificial intelligence in energy forecasts".
The project launch was heavily covered by regional and national media. You can find further information in the following links.
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
Süddeutsche.de - October 12, 2022 Wissenschaftler der Universität in Cottbus wollen in einem neuen Innovationszentrum an der klimaneutralen Energieversorgung der Zukunft forschen. |
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
ZEIT online - October 12, 2022 ... ) übernommen. Blick über den Campus an der Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. © Patrick Pleul/ dpa-Zentralbild/ … |
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
FAZ.NET - October 12, 2022 Wissenschaftler der Universität in Cottbus wollen in einem neuen Innovationszentrum an der klimaneutralen Energieversorgung der Zukunft forschen. |
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
DIE WELT - October 12, 2022 Blick über den Campus an der Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. Quelle: Patrick Pleul/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa/ … |
Innovationszentrum: Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
Focus Online - October 12, 2022 ... den Campus an der Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. Wissenschaftler de r Universität in Cottbus wollen in einem … |
Neues BTU-Institut erhält Millionenförderung von Bund und Land |
rbb Rundfunk Berlin Brandenburg - October 12, 2022 ... : imago-images/Mario Hösel Die Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) hat am Mittwoch eine Millionenförderung … |
Förderbescheid für das Energie-Innovationszentrum der BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg |
rbb24 | Brandenburg aktuell | Nachrichten II | 19.30 Uhr - October 12, 2022 Förderbescheid für das Energie-Innovationszentrum der BTUCottbus-Senftenberg |
Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg hat weiteren Förderbescheid erhalten |
rbb24 | 21:45 Uhr | Nachrichten II - October 12, 2022 Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg hat weiteren Förderbescheid erhalten |
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
Berliner Zeitung - October 12, 2022 ... - Blick über den Campus an der Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. a/Archivbild Cottbus - Wissenschaftler de r … |
Forschung zur Energie der Zukunft |
Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten - October 13, 2022 Uni Cottbus bekommt Innovationszentrum |
Mehr Forschung in der Lausitz |
Sächsische Zeitung Hoyerswerda - October 13, 2022 Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) und eines interdisziplinären Partnernetzwerks entwickeln innovative Technologien für eine klimaneutrale Energieversorgung. Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) und eines |
Förderung für neues Energie- Innovationszentrum in Cottbus |
MAZ-Online.de - October 12, 2022 Wissenschaftsministerin Schüle fördert Cottbuser Energiezentrum MIt 18,5 Millionen Euro Startkapital wird in Cottbus der Grundstein für Forschung und Entwicklung zur Energiewende gelegt. |
Innovationszentrum an Uni in Cottbus gestartet |
Sächsisches tageblatt - October 13, 2022 Wissenschaftler der BTUCottbus/Senftenberg wollen an der klimaneutralen Energieversorgung der Zukunft forschen. Gestern ist ein neues … |
Innovationszentrum: Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
Augsburger Allgemeine - October 12, 2022 Blick über den Campus an der Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. Foto: Patrick Pleul/dpa-Zentralbild, dpa ( … |
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
Münchner Merkur - October 12, 2022 Blick über den Campus an der Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg. © Patrick Pleul/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa/ … |
Jobs in Brandenburg: Start für Energie-Innovationszentrum an der BTU in Cottbus - Fachkräfte gesucht |
Lausitzer Rundschau - October 12, 2022 ... neue Arbeitsplätze hatte die Präsidentin der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg , Prof. Gesine Grande, … |
Start für Energie-Innovationszentrum an BTU |
Lausitzer Rundschau Cottbus, sieben weitere Ausgaben und Online - October 13, 2022 Der Lausitz Science Park (LSP) in Cottbus wird zum Jobmotor. Mit dem Start für das Energie-Innovationszentrum (EIZ) an der BTU geht das größte Wissenschafts-Projekt im Lausitzer Strukturwandel in eine neue Phase. Gebraucht werden viele Fachkräfte. |
Cottbuser Universität forscht für die Energiewende |
Volksstimme.de - October 12, 2022 Wissenschaftler der Universität in Cottbus wollen in einem neuen Innovationszentrum an der klimaneutralen Energieversorgung der Zukunft forschen. |
102 Millionen Euro für die zukünftige Energiemodellregion Lausitz |
Informations Dienst Wissenschaft - October 13, 2022 ... -Cluster Wissenschaftler*innen der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) und eines interdisziplinären … |
RT @ManjaSchuele: Lausitz = #Energieregion der Zukunft! Bald kommen aus dem neuen #EnergieInnovationszentrum der @BTU_CS wegweisende |
RT @ManjaSchuele: Lausitz = #Energieregion der Zukunft! Bald kommen aus dem neuen #EnergieInnovationszentrum der @BTU_CS wegweisende |
102 Millionen Euro für die zukünftige Energiemodellregion LausitzWissenschaftsministerin Dr. Manja Schüle und Sandra Langhof-Siewert von |
Ministerin @ManjaSchuele & Sandra Langhof-Siewert (@staatskanzleibb) übergeben den Zuwendungsbescheid ans neue Energie-Innovationszentrum |
Germany saves gas
In an interview with mdr Wissen, Prof. Müsgens talks about how the lack of direct price signals for gas consumers makes it more difficult to implement saving measures. In particular, he criticizes efforts to cap prices, as this would remove the signals to reduce consumption.
You can read the full article here.
Gas price cap - can we square the circle?
In interview with Radioeins, prof. Müsgens discusses the decision of the German gas commission on a relieve package for Gas consumers to tackle the high fuel prices.
The policy's double objective of relieving gas consumers of the monetary burden while still preserving the incentives to save gas is described as trying to square a circle.
Follow this link to listen to the full interview.
Gas shortage: Bavaria faces problems with electricity, the East with heat
In an interview with MDR Prof. Müsgens comments on the effects of the gas shortage on the electricity and heat availability in Bavaria and east Germany.
While the gas situation is still stable, additional system stress could materialize in winter exposing Germany to an energy crisis.
You can read the full article here.
Price shock due to Ukraine war
In an interview with FOCUS online, Prof. Müsgens talks about the impact of high wholesale energy prices on household tariffs. In the next two years German households should experience even higher prices.
You can read the full article here or on FOCUS online.
Panel discussion at the Brandenburg's Energy Day
Within the framework of the Brandenburg Energy Day at the BTU cottbus, ZEIT ONLINE reported on the uncertain future of the Schwedt oil refinery in the face of a halt of Russian oil imports. In the same line, Prof. Müsgens commented that the situation with Russia will further increase energy prices for end-consumers and a short-term moratorium on the phase-out of coal-fired plants should be considered.
You can read the full article here or on the ZEIT website.
Before it gets cheaper, it gets even more expensive
In an interview with "Die Zeit", Prof. Müsgens talks about the impact of high wholesale energy prices on household tariffs. According to the high forecasts for next year, German households can only expect higher prices.
You can access the full article here or in the Zeit webpage.
Expensive energy - energy price crisis?
In an interview with rbb, Prof. Müsgens comments on the skyrocketing electricity prices. High gas and oil prices as a result of the sanctions against Russia and market speculation are the underlying reasons.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and on the rbb website.
Why an oil embargo would hit eastern Germany particularly hard
In an interview for MDR Prof. Müsgens comments on the implications of an embargo on Russian oil on the German market.
The article can be found here or in the MDR portal
Can Germany stop buying Russian coal?
In an interview with the Zeit newspaper, Prof. Müsgens discusses the implications of the economic sanctions imposed to Russia on the coal prices and its effects for Germany.
You can access the full article here or in the Zeit webpage.
Prof. Müsgens discusses the implications of the German dependency on Russian fuels in an interview for Märkische Allgemeine (MAZ)
In an interview for Märkische Allgemeine (MAZ) Prof. Müsgens discusses the dependency of Germany and Europe on Russian gas and oil, the future of lignite and the possibilities of saving energy.
In his opinion, regarding the expansion of sanctions against Russia, the West should focus on the issue of oil, since Russian revenues from oil exports are three times as high as those from gas exports. Also, Germany would more easily cope with a supply stop of Russian oil than a stop on gas supply.
A long version of the interview is available here, a short version here.
Prof. Müsgens comments on the implications of the Ukrainian war in the German energy system
In an interview with rbb, Prof. Müsgens discusses the implications of the Ukrainian war for the German electricity system. Due to the high dependancy of Germany on Russian gas imports problems from increased prices to system security. Greater presures will be met in the short-term, and Germany needs to adress solutions and alternatives to face next winter.
See the full video on our YouTube channel and also on the rbb website.
Earlier coal phase-out?
In an interview for the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (Die Zeit newspaper), Prof. Felix Muesgens explains how an earlier coal phase-out is possible. He talks about the market conditions and political requirements necessary for this.
You can find the article here
Earlier coal phase-out possible under conditions
In an interview with ntv, Prof. Felix Müsgens comments on Germany's coal phase-out policy and its feasibility, taking into account market flexibility options and plans to expand renewables.
You can read the full article here
Thousands of households without electricity
rbb reports on the power blackout that left tens of thousands of households in Oberspreewald Lausitz and Spree-Neiße without electricity for more than 24 hours. In the video, Prof. Müsgens comments on questions of the security of the electricity system and the trade-off between system costs and reliability.
You can watch the video on our YouTube channel and also on the rbb website.
Prof. Müsgens gives his opinion on the extreme rise of gas prices to rbb
The rbb reports on the newly converted gas fired power plant in Cottbus and the effects of high gas prices on electricity prices. In the video, Prof. Müsgens explains why gas prices have gone so high up and the expectetions in the short and long term.
You can watch the video on our YouTube channel and also on the rbb website.
Is the coal phase-out coming sooner than expected?
The news outlet RBB reports on LEAG's decision to adjust its plans for the coal phase-out in Cottbus. The company plans to produce even less coal than expected, which could lead to an earlier exit. Prof. Müsgens comments on this decision and talks about the difficulties for coal-fired power plants to remain profitable at current and projected energy prices.
You can access the news hier.
Interview on the energy transition in Germany and its effects in Lusatia.
You can find the link to the interview here. The interview appeared in the Lausitzmagazin and was conducted by Mr. Taschenberger.
Media reports on the ESYS Market Design Working Group (co-chaired by Prof. Müsgens)
- solarify: ESYS: New market design for the energy transition
- energate messenger: Researchers' alliance proposes new electricity market design ( fee required,)
- E&M daily: New market design for the energy transition is demanded
*Articles are only available in German
Media coverage of the article "Offshore wind competitiveness in mature markets without subsidy".
(Selected) media coverage of the published article:
- Invited guest post at CarbonBrief
- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
- The Telegraph
- The York Press
- Science Daily
- The Guardian
- Imperial College London
The full article can be found here: Offshore wind competitiveness in mature markets without subsidy, Nature Energy, 2020. An open access version is available at the following link: https://rdcu.be/b5R42 (read-only access).
Comments on the CO2 price reform and the Climate Cabinet
- pv-magazine.de: "Ein einheitlicher CO2-Preis: der Schlüssel für ein effizientes Marktdesign"
- solarserver.de: "Fachleute fordern einheitlichen CO2-Preis"
- solarify.eu: "Einheitlicher CO2-Preis als Schlüssel für effizientes Marktdesign"
- bizz-energy.com: "Union ringt um Klimaschutz-Pläne"
- Tagesspiegel Background: "Leitlinien für CO2-Preisanpassung gefordert"
- Energie & Management: "Wissenschaftler: CO2-Bepreisung schafft doppelte Dividende"
Comment by Prof. Müsgens in the magazine e/m/w: We need a new market design
A comment by Prof. Müsgens titled "The time is ripe for a new market design" has been published in the magazine e/m/w. You can find the article under the following Link.
Report on the power-to-heat project of the research department
The link to the report of the Lausitzer Rundschau with the title "Sensibly dealing with too much electricity" can be found here.
Structural change in Lusatia
The Berliner Zeitung interview " Many ideas, no guarantees" can be found here.
BDEW controversies - discussion on market design with Prof. Höffler
You can find the link to the article here.
Television report on climate protection on rbb aktuell
You can find the link to the report here.
Interview with Südwestpresse on electricity price development
You can find the link to the interview here.