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, as well as 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 offer a broad service portfolio as market or technology leaders.

A strong university and non-university research landscape, along with established network and consulting structures, provide ideal conditions for the networking of science and industry and thus for the generation of future-oriented 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 data from the TLS, as of 2023 (figures rounded)

Profile

Derived from the specialization profile, four topics are currently emerging as potential drivers for 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 business

Competence fields

Energy systems, components, and materials
- Procedures 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 regenerative 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 create 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, powerful industrial research partnerships of national and international significance are emerging in the areas of intelligent energy systems and the use of natural resources, as well as the circular and recycling economy.

Thuringia is tapping the diverse potential of the bioeconomy, from the industrial use of renewable, particularly local raw materials to biogenic waste treatment.

Cluster and Network Organizations

SolarInput e.V.

Since 2003, SolarInput has been managing the network of Thuringian solar entrepreneurs, service providers, research and educational institutions, as well as 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) e.V.

For example, whether it is “Smart Grid”, “Renewable Heat” or “Energy-efficient neighborhood solutions integrating renewable energies”: The Thuringian Renewable Energy Network (ThEEN) e.V. 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 forms of renewable energy.

As a competence network for renewable energies, ThEEN e.V. bundles 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 at the same time represents their interests.

www.theen-ev.de