Energiesystems

Energiesystems, also known as energy systems, are the networks and institutions that enable the provision of energy services to end users. They include the extraction or capture of primary energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, biomass, wind, solar, hydro, geothermal), their conversion into usable forms (electricity, heat, fuels), the transmission and distribution infrastructure, storage facilities, and the markets and regulations that govern them. The aim is to supply electricity, heat, transport fuels, and other energy services reliably, affordably, and with acceptable environmental impact.

Modern Energiesystems are increasingly integrated and sector-coupled, connecting electricity, heating and cooling, transport, and industry. Core elements are generation assets, transmission lines, distribution networks, energy storage, and demand-side measures such as efficiency and demand response. Microgrids and off-grid solutions add resilience in remote or critical applications.

Challenges include variability of renewable generation, transmission constraints, aging infrastructure, economics, and policy uncertainty. Analyses rely on techno-economic modelling, reliability assessments, life-cycle assessment, and multi-criteria optimization to plan investment and operation over long horizons.

Recent trends emphasize decarbonization and digitalization: higher shares of renewables, grid modernization, energy storage expansion, intelligent control systems, hydrogen and power-to-X concepts, and enhanced market designs to enable flexibility and sector coupling.