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Holistic approaches to optimizing integrated energy management

Published: November 2025

Holistic approaches to optimizing integrated energy management rely on innovative technologies such as energy storage (e.g., compressed air systems) and the multiple conversion of different energy forms to maximize energy efficiency and sustainability. Through synergistic concepts that combine CO₂ reduction, data analysis, 3D city models for assessing photovoltaic potential, and energy-efficient building renovation, these approaches strive for near-autonomous systems and microgrids to promote independence and sustainable energy management. This requires comprehensive and interconnected information—from consumption data and building structures to regional grid capacities. Providing such data necessitates innovative IT solutions that create the required transparency and enable sound planning for integrated energy management systems.

Guiding questions

  • How can the potential of different energy forms be combined in a flexible system to minimize energy losses?
  • Which technologies are most promising for scalable and sustainable energy storage in integrated systems?
  • How could storage facilities be integrated into urban planning and infrastructure to offer maximum flexibility and availability?
  • How can the efficient use of real-time data optimize the CO₂ management of buildings and urban infrastructure?
  • How can energy systems be designed to be resilient to external crises while simultaneously ensuring a flexible supply?

challenges

Advances in energy storage, such as compressed air and battery storage, are crucial for making renewable energy sources flexibly available. This must be cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and scalable to smooth out fluctuating energy demands. The parallel use and conversion of multiple energy forms in industrial and urban applications requires a high degree of technical coordination and adapted infrastructure to minimize energy losses and leverage synergies. Data-driven management of building emissions and consumption enables precise optimization and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. However, the collection and analysis of real-time data places high demands on IT infrastructure and data protection.

Concrete examples

  • Compressed air and battery storage
  • Real-time analysis and control of energy flows and emissions
  • Climate-neutral neighborhood solutions through the combination of solar systems, heat pumps and battery storage
  • Use of waste heat from production facilities for feeding into heating networks

Foresight Report

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Reference

Your contact persons

Reference

Michel Reichardt

Michel Reichardt Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Christoph Grollman

Christoph Grollman Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Dr. Sophia Gänßle

Dr. Sophia Gänßle Project Manager Data Science Strategic Foresight

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