Against the backdrop of the energy transition, one of the most dynamic energy research centres in Germany is currently being established in Cottbus. The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), which has traditionally focussed on energy research, is playing a central role in this structural development process. As a bridge between science and industry, more than 70 scientists from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg are working together with an interdisciplinary network of more than 40 partners in the new Energy Innovation Centre (EIZ) to develop innovative solutions and technologies for a climate-neutral energy supply in Lusatia and worldwide.

The focus is on technical as well as economic, political and social issues relating to the energy transition with special reference to structural development in Lusatia. The Energy Innovation Centre focuses on outstanding, internationally visible research, industry-related, product-oriented technology development and transfer as well as training and further education opportunities for business and science.

The EIZ consists of six networked laboratories (labs) with their own thematic focal points: Control Systems and Cyber Security, Energy Economics, Energy Storage and Conversion, High Power Grid Converter, Electric Power Systems and Scientific Computing.

In the EECON Lab, we support the transformation of the energy system by monitoring and evaluating the transformation of Energy Economics in Lusatia. In doing so, we analyse

• Which new business models are emerging in the course of the structural change in the energy economics. Market and competition analyses will be used to gain insights into the prospects of success of such business models.
• We are analysing the value creation effects of structural change in the Lusatian energy economics sector. We combine a qualitative analysis based on surveys of regional players with a traditional quantitative input-output analysis. If and where necessary, methodological extensions will be made.
• The effects on employment and value creation that can ultimately be expected.

Further information: https://www.b-tu.de/energie-innovationszentrum and https://www.b-tu.de/energie-innovationszentrum/eiz-labs/eecon-lab

The Chair succeeds Prof. Stefan Zundel as part of the EIZ, who played a key role in setting up the EECON Lab.

Contact persons: Prof. Dr Wolfram Berger and Caron Pomp, M.Sc.

Duration: 2023-2026
Client: The Federal Government, State of Brandenburg, Federal Ministry of Education and Research