Flexible energy conversion
Transparency and participation are important goals of the German government in its 7th Energy Research Programme. The Energy Research Networks therefore provide an important energy research policy instrument for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWi). They make a significant contribution to networking all the key players in a core area of energy research and to participating in strategy processes.
The Flexible Energy Conversion research network was established on 24 February 2017 to determine the research and development needs in the power plant technologies field. Around 150 representatives from industry, politics and research institutions took part in the kick-off event at the BMWK in Berlin. The network provides an information and discussion platform for the research policy topics concerned with conventional and solar thermal power plant technologies as well as CO2 technologies. In order to exploit synergies, the existing Cooretec research initiative (CO2 reduction technologies) was integrated into the new network.
In four working groups, the participants in the network are focussing on the challenges arising in the power plant technology field as a result of the changed tasks in the energy transition. In particular, power plants need to be upgraded to provide cost- and resource-efficient partial and minimum load operation. This includes high start-up and shut-down speeds, the use of different fuels and fuel-flexible combustion systems as well as suitable storage solutions. Solar thermal power plants and their power plant components, which contribute to CO2 reduction worldwide, are also the subject of a working group.
Office: Project Management Jülich
As the office for the Energy Research Networks, Project Management Jülich provides the point of contact for all interested parties. In addition, Project Management Jülich’s "Energy System: Renewable Energies / Power Plant Technology" (ESE) division also provides a coordinator as a contact person for technical aspects relating to the Flexible Energy Conversion Network.
