Sustainable energy and resource use

The innovation field of sustainable energy and resource use encompasses industry activities in the areas of renewable energies, regional energy supply concepts, energy storage, and resource management and reuse. Its participants include numerous economic actors in product and plant manufacturing or in the service sector, who occupy specific niches or possess a broad service portfolio as market or technology leaders.

A high-performing university and non-university research landscape, as well as established network and consulting structures, provide ideal conditions for networking science and industry and thus for generating future-proof technologies.

Specialization profile for download
Specialization profile for download [pdf file] , 85 KB]

The economy in the specialization field in figures

15.9 Revenue in billion euros

6800 branches

55000 Dependent employees

Data source: own calculation based on TLS data, as of 2023 (figures rounded)

profile

Based on the specialization profile, four topics currently stand out as having potential in this field:

Energy storage for the energy transition
Cognitive energy systems for a secure and sustainable energy supply of the future
Resource-efficient material cycles and raw material use for sustainable economic activity

Areas of expertise

Energy systems, components and materials
- Methods for the design and operation of energy systems and system integration of new components
- Energy system automation technologies and digitalization in energy systems for energy transport and distribution
- IT security in energy systems
- Regenerative and resilient energy supply with multi-utility systems (electricity, gas, heat)
- Sustainable and renewable energy concepts for neighborhoods, cities and regions
- Storage concepts and new storage materials
- New system components, technologies and materials such as electrical energy storage, direct current technology or building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
Resource-efficient material cycles and bioeconomy
- Innovative circular economy/recycling
- Sustainable water management
- Industrial use of renewable raw materials
- Biotechnological production processes
- Substitution of critical raw materials
- New materials, material- and energy-efficient processes
- Ecological building materials (“design to recycle”)

Vision and goals

Efficient and intelligent use of energy and raw materials, as well as their recycling, creates regional added value in Thuringia.

Thuringia increases its competitiveness through innovative technologies and products, energy-efficient processes, resource conservation and sustainability.
In the Free State, high-performance industrial research partnerships of national and international value are being created in the areas of intelligent energy systems and the use of natural resources, as well as the recycling and circular economy.

Thuringia is unlocking the diverse potential of the bioeconomy, from the industrial use of renewable, especially domestic, raw materials to biogenic waste treatment.

Cluster and network organizations

SolarInput eV.

Since 2003, SolarInput has managed the network of Thuringian solar companies, service providers, research and educational institutions, and municipalities. The association is committed to strategic, cross-sector networking and regional anchoring of the solar industry, as well as the local application of solar technology.

www.solarinput.de

Thuringian Renewable Energy Network (ThEEN) eV.

Whether it's "Smart Grid", "Renewable Heat" or "Energy-efficient neighborhood solutions with the integration of renewable energies": The Thuringian Renewable Energy Network (ThEEN) eV organizes specialist forums, initiates cross-sector studies and cooperation projects, supports relevant political processes at the state level and unites the key players of all renewable energy forms.

As a competence network for renewable energies, ThEEN eV pools the know-how of more than 300 companies through its member associations as well as numerous individual members, companies, research institutions, municipalities and institutions, and simultaneously represents their interests.

www.theen-ev.de