26th Brandenburg Energy Day at the BTU: Shaping energy infrastructures for the future

For the first time, the Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ) is offering an insight into its current research.

This year’s Brandenburg Energy Day is setting a new course: for the first time, the Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ) is offering insights into current research approaches relating to the energy transition during two laboratory tours. In collaboration with the German Energy Agency (dena), a networking event specifically for female energy experts is also taking place. Energy Day has been held since 1999 and has established itself as a key industry gathering in the state of Brandenburg. It traditionally takes place in the Lusatia energy region at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

BTU President Prof. Dr Gesine Grande said: “Lausitz is developing into one of Germany’s most dynamic energy hubs – and the BTU is actively shaping this transformation. This is where new ideas, new technologies and strong partnerships for the climate-neutral energy supply of the future are emerging. Through the Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre, we combine research, knowledge transfer and practical application, translating scientific excellence into concrete solutions for the energy transition. Brandenburg Energy Day impressively demonstrates how closely science, business and politics in Brandenburg are working together on this transformation, and what innovative potential the state possesses.”

"Sustainable energy infrastructures form the basis for a secure supply and a competitive business location," said Martina Klement, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, in her opening speech today. "Brandenburg already produces more electricity from renewable energies than is consumed in the state. This success is encouraging. However, it brings with it new and complex challenges regarding storage and infrastructure," said Klement. "As the first Minister for Energy in the State of Brandenburg, it is particularly important to me to encourage women to pursue a career in the energy sector. This networking event sends an important signal regarding the visibility, exchange and networking of women in Brandenburg’s Energy Economics," explained Minister Klement. 

Energy Day is organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Protection and European Affairs in collaboration with the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, the Brandenburg Chambers of Industry and Commerce, the Energy and Climate Protection Agency of the Brandenburg Economic Development Corporation, and, for the first time, the Cottbus Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ). It is regarded as a key instrument for implementing energy policy at state level.

Jens Warnken, President of the Cottbus Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for the State Working Group of Brandenburg’s Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs): “Brandenburg Energy Day is a key catalyst for the state’s economy. Year after year, companies use the event to exchange ideas, take away new insights and develop concrete approaches for practical application. This is particularly important right now. In view of cost pressures, rising demands for resilience and security of supply, as well as the necessary adaptation to climate change, the future viability of our energy infrastructures is coming into focus more than ever. We see in practice that both grid operators and businesses face major challenges due to long waiting times for grid connections and limited capacity. This makes it all the more important to use existing facilities more efficiently and to simplify and harmonise application procedures. At the same time, grid expansion in our state must be driven forward as a high priority."

In the morning, expert presentations, including from the Federal Network Agency, will provide insights into key issues relating to a sustainable energy supply. In a panel discussion on the topic "How do we make our energy infrastructures sustainable?", a high-calibre panel comprising representatives from politics, administration, business and academia will discuss how energy infrastructures can be designed to be sustainable, resilient and competitive. In the afternoon, four parallel expert forums will explore the discussion in greater depth. The focus will be on topics such as “Generation and Feed-in” and “Framework Conditions and Financing”. The programme will be complemented by the networking event for female energy experts, organised for the first time in collaboration with the German Energy Agency (dena).