How digitalisation is driving the energy transition
Prof. Dr Andreas Zeiselmair is Professor of the Digital Energy Transition at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT). In this interview, he explains how digitalisation is enabling a resilient energy system, what role research and teaching at HSWT play in this, and what the future of energy might look like in ten years’ time.
Professor Zeiselmair, the energy crisis has laid bare the vulnerability of our energy system. Where do you currently see the greatest structural weaknesses?
Andreas Zeiselmair: Historically, our energy system has been heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. The recent crises have shown just how risky this dependence is. The transition to renewable energy is fundamentally changing the system. Instead of a few large power stations, in future we will have many decentralised, weather-dependent installations. To make the most of these, we need flexibility above all else – for example, through heat pumps, electric vehicles, storage systems or industrial processes. Digitalisation is essential for this, as it enables forecasting, optimisation and smart control. Only in this way can we efficiently coordinate generation, consumption and the grids.
Your SkIES research project is investigating future energy systems. What insights do simulations provide for the current situation?
We are analysing how energy-sharing concepts can work within energy communities – that is, the shared use of renewable energy in neighbourhoods, co-operatives or businesses. Models show when local generation and consumption align well, how storage systems function, and under what conditions energy sharing is economically viable and beneficial to the system. This opens up opportunities for participation, local value creation and potentially lower costs. In other projects such as SysMMO and smartBattery, we are investigating ways to reduce heating costs through the optimised operation of large-scale heat pumps, as well as AI-based grid integration of battery storage systems.
How do you prepare students for a digitally driven energy system?
The energy transition is complex and affects technology, the economy, politics and society. In our degree programmes, we combine knowledge of the energy sector with technical understanding, digital methods and entrepreneurial thinking. Students learn how electricity markets work, the role played by forecasts, storage and flexibility, and how digital tools are used. The ability to interpret models correctly and make effective use of digital (AI) tools is crucial. This interdisciplinary competence is becoming increasingly important.
Many sectors are currently grappling with a growing shortage of skilled workers. To what extent does this trend affect energy degree programmes and training for the digital energy transition?
The shortage of skilled workers is having a significant impact on the energy sector, particularly during the current transformation process. There is demand not only for traditional engineers, but also for people who combine technical, economic and digital skills. Our graduates continue to enjoy excellent career prospects, attractive starting salaries and secure jobs. The course content at HSWT is highly engaging, and studying here enables students to play a concrete role in shaping the future of the energy sector.
What will an ideally digitally optimised energy system look like in ten years’ time?
We will meet our energy needs largely through renewable sources. Generators, storage facilities, grids and consumers will be digitally interconnected and will respond automatically to price signals, grid conditions and weather forecasts. Electric cars will charge when plenty of local electricity is available, heat pumps will utilise flexible time slots, and storage facilities will stabilise the grids. Digitalisation makes the system not only climate-neutral, but also more cost-effective and resilient. It is important that this development is designed to be understandable, safe and socially acceptable. And for that, we need good-trained specialists who will actively help shape our energy future.
Information for editorial teams
Prof. Dr Andreas Zeiselmair is chair of the examining committee for the Master’s programme in Business Management and Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship, as well as the internship coordinator for the Bachelor’s programme in Management of Renewable Energies.
We would be happy to arrange interview appointments with Prof. Dr Zeiselmair or programme ambassadors.
