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Energy

The Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion (TRK) is proving to be a pioneer in the field of sustainable energy innovations. From pioneering software solutions for the energy market to infrastructure-focused initiatives and the design of CO₂-free neighborhoods. The TRK network actively contributes to the energy transition and also strengthens visibility and exchange in order to jointly implement innovative projects and establish TRK as an important energy location.

On this page:

The energy strategy of the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion

In order to successfully implement the energy transition, TRK relies on close cooperation between politics, business, science and citizens. In doing so, it emphasizes the importance of social acceptance, the promotion of investments, the pooling of interests and the international marketing of innovative solutions. The continuous further development of the energy strategy with regular evaluations and an advisory board ensures long-term success.

With RE-Action 1.5, the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion presents an ambitious energy strategy as one of the three central economic focal points of the region. In response to the global climate targets, TRK is emphasizing its role as a pioneer and beacon for the energy transition, which is being driven forward in collaboration with companies, research institutions and municipalities. Within the strategy, the focus is on a decentralized approach, the success of which is based on cooperation between cities and municipalities.

The vision of the TRK for the year 2050 is to achieve the climate policy goals of the Paris Climate Conference and to position itself as a model region for the energy transition and climate protection. The strategy focuses on:

  • Technology transfer,
  • the creation of real laboratories,
  • active cooperation,
  • Educational support,
  • External impact,
  • Communication,
  • Citizen participation and
  • the design of legal framework conditions.

In doing so, TRK is utilizing its existing technological potential and establishing itself as a hotspot for innovative energy solutions.

Deep geothermal energy

Position paper of the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion on deep geothermal energy

Cause: Deep geothermal energy (also in connection with lithium extraction) is of great concern to the population in the Upper Rhine region. For this reason, the important role of geothermal energy for the energy transition was addressed by the shareholders at the TRK shareholders' meeting on December 4, 2020. The supposed risks associated with its use and the fundamental fears and anxieties among the population are currently preventing this renewable form of energy generation from becoming more widespread.
The shareholders' meeting has commissioned the management office to develop and coordinate a region-wide positioning that will help to exploit the potential of geothermal energy more intensively in future.

Implementation: The office has convened a coordination group for this purpose, which is largely made up of political decision-makers from the region. The task of the coordination group was to define the cornerstones of a possible political positioning and to develop the basis for the positioning. The kick-off meeting took place on March 3, 2021, at which the framework for further work was agreed.

In two further workshops on December 6, 2021 and June 2, 2022, the contents of the positioning were discussed, further differentiated and objectively coordinated, in each case with the involvement of proven experts. Prof. Dr. Thomas Kohl from the State Research Centre for Geothermal Energy provided technical support for the entire process.
Deep geothermal energy can make a significant contribution to the environmentally friendly supply of heating, cooling and electricity in the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion (TRK). Particularly in the heating sector, which currently accounts for 56% of the national energy demand, deep geothermal energy could make a decisive contribution to security of supply and the heating transition - base-load capable and CO2 neutral. To achieve this, the extraordinary resources of geothermal energy in the Upper Rhine Graben must be tapped to a much greater extent than before.
Both the Middle Upper Rhine Regional Association on December 7, 2022 and the Upper Rhine Council (June 27, 2022) have presented their own positions on deep geothermal energy. The position paper of TechnologieRegion Karlsruhe GmbH makes specific reference to these papers and also supports their objectives in terms of promoting and intensifying the use of deep geothermal energy in the region.

From the perspective of local authorities, business and politics, Technologie-Region Karlsruhe GmbH would like to make a contribution to strengthening deep geothermal energy and its special potential for heat and resource extraction, taking into account its particular spatial allocation. Specific proposals will be made and measures called for to speed up approval processes and increase understanding and acceptance among citizens on both sides of the Rhine through information, communication and participation formats.
The region is called upon to develop an overarching regional energy concept with clear political objectives with the support of the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. On this basis, framework conditions are to be developed that support the political decision-making processes in the municipalities and contribute to setting market-based framework conditions and promoting inter-municipal strategy development in the area of the heat transition.

Illustration of a geothermal power plant (Source: Federal Environment Agency)

The heat present in the earth's crust can be utilized in many ways.   

Cold water is pumped into the earth's mantle, heated by the geothermal energy and pumped back up again. The steam produced during the heating process can be used to generate energy.

Hydrogen project H2iPortKA

Security of supply, affordability and environmental compatibility through innovative climate protection: this is the goal being pursued by the project partners at TRK with the H2iPortKA hydrogen project.

Latest news

Partial reimbursement of electricity costs for companies in the Karlsruhe area

Applications for individual grid fees possible until 30.09.24

In recent years, companies have been exposed to a sometimes enormous increase in energy costs. While the pure energy price can only be influenced by the choice of supplier and is usually only responsible for a third of energy costs, grid usage fees are a cost driver that is often neglected.
In principle, grid usage fees are charged by the regional distribution grid operators on the basis of uniform price regulations. The grid fee to be paid by the end consumer is determined according to the annual energy and the annual peak demand. In Section 19 of the Electricity Grid Charges Ordinance (StromNEV), the legislator has created three exemptions for special forms of grid usage that allow end consumers to benefit from reduced grid usage charges. One of these is so-called atypical grid usage. In this case, the end consumer is no longer charged for the annual peak power, but for the reduced peak power in the so-called peak load time window (the times of highest grid utilization). The 2024 peak load time windows in the Karlsruhe area are only in the late afternoon during the winter months, meaning that many companies in the region can reduce their grid fees by an average of €8,000 to €16,000.
Companies can have their eligibility for individual grid fees checked and implemented by energy consultants or specialized service providers. Energie Weitblick GmbH, for example, offers a free quick check at http://www.energie-weitblick.de/netzentgelte/ and will take care of the entire notification process if required.

Developing innovative concepts for the energy transition and environmental protection

The ideas competition "Energy and Environment - My Idea for Tomorrow" is aimed at doctoral students from all disciplines who are developing innovative concepts for the energy transition and environmental protection. Participants can submit projects that deal, for example, with resource-savingenergy storage systems, environmentally friendly materials or the motivation to reduce CO2 emissions. The best ideas will be awarded cash prizes. These will then be presented at the "Energy Campus" symposium. The aim of the competition is to find sustainable solutions for future energy and environmental challenges and to involve young researchers in this process.

Further information on the competition can be found here.

Players in the TRK energy strategy

The Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion's energy strategy lives for and with its stakeholders in the region. Here you will find an overview of the variety of players, their competencies, their innovative projects and how the Mission 2 degrees can be fulfilled. Find out about new ideas and plans at an early stage and which partners are suitable for cooperation.

evohaus: Conception of CO2-free neighborhoods with social added value

At a time when social responsibility and environmental protection go hand in hand, Evohaus is contributing innovative ideas to the region's energy strategy. Its expertise in the development of environmentally friendly CO2-free neighborhoods, such as daycare centers or care facilities, not only contributes to the achievement of climate targets, but also creates a noticeable positive impact on the quality of life of people in the region.

Contact

Heinz Hanen
Emil-Nolde-Straße 2, 76227 Karlsruhe

Phone: +49 721 183 8910
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.evohaus.com

Easy Smart Grid GmbH: Pioneer in energy storage and management

Founded in 2014, Easy Smart Grid GmbH from Karlsruhe is a leader in the development of technologies for the challenges of energy storage and the management of renewable energy systems. With international recognition since its foundation, the company offers innovative solutions, including the use of temporal flexibility of electricity consumers as a "virtual battery". Active participation in projects such as the Allensbach Living Lab (SoLAR) and smart city initiatives reflects Easy Smart Grid's commitment to a sustainable energy transition.

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Walter
Dessauerstr. 15, 76139 Karlsruhe

Phone: 0171 229 4629 (private)
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.easysg.de

Seven2one: Software solutions for the energy market

Seven2one Informationssysteme GmbH develops innovative software solutions for the energy market. Given the economic prosperity and expertise in science and technology in the region, information technology plays a crucial role in shaping the energy transition. Seven2one is helping to drive the integration of renewable energies and increase efficiency in the energy market by providing customized software solutions.

Contact

Dr. Christoph Schlenzig
Amalienbadstr. 41c,76227 Karlsruhe

Phone: +49 721 62714 111
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.seven2one.de

RBS wave: Focus on infrastructure for cities and municipalities

In the midst of the decentralized energy strategy, which is based on cooperation between cities and municipalities, RBS wave plays a decisive role in the development of sustainable urban infrastructures. With its expertise, RBS wave helps TRK to fully exploit its optimal conditions for an effective and efficient energy transition.

Contact

Tim Kazenmaier

Team Leader Energy Technology
RBS wave GmbH, Ludwig-Erhard-Str. 2, 76275 Ettlingen

Phone: +49 7243 5888 129
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.rbs-wave.de

Karlsruhe Chamber of Skilled Crafts: Skilled crafts as a partner in the energy transition

The Karlsruhe Chamber of Crafts acts as a lobby and service provider for over 19,000 member companies in the Karlsruhe technology region and the northern Black Forest region. As a partner of the energy transition, the Chamber supports its companies with qualified advice, further training opportunities and active participation in projects and specialist committees. Current projects, such as the KEFF Competence Center for Energy Efficiency and participation in the SME Initiative for Energy Transition and Climate Protection, underline the Chamber of Skilled Crafts' commitment to sustainability.

Contact

Kevin Manuel Wendel
Friedrichsplatz 4-5, 76133 Karlsruhe

Phone: +49 721 1600 162
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hwk-karlsruhe.de

fokus.energie e.V.: Innovative energy network of the TRK

fokus.energie e.V. is a leading network of companies and institutions in the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion in the energy sector. The association is committed to the energy strategy "Smart Energy - TRK Mission 2 Grad" through bundled expertise in education, exchange and start-up support. Projects such as AXEL and DiKraft underline its commitment to sustainable innovation and the promotion of young companies in the region.

Contact

Hilmar F. John
Haid-und-Neu-Str. 7, 76131 Karlsruhe

Phone: +49 721 96492 - 786
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fokusenergie.net

Downloads

"The energy strategy of the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion" (3 MB, PDF)
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Do you have any questions?
Please feel free to contact us!
Markus Wexel
Energy Coordinator
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Further topics
The Welcome Center
Accompanying international professionals and young talents on their first steps in TRK and successfully integrating them in the long term - that is the mission of the Welcome Center TRK.
KULT award ceremony
The Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion (TRK) honors original projects and productions with the Culture Prize every two years. On this page you can find out all the details about the KULT Prize from TRK.
Who we are
These are the pillars of the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion: a region networked across state borders, strong entrepreneurship, chambers, scientific institutions and municipalities, combined with a unique offering for international specialists.