Research

Energy systems are undergoing a historic transformation: decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization are fundamentally changing grids, markets, and business models.

The Fraunhofer Center for Digital Energy develops advanced digital and IT security solutions for energy systems to support all relevant stakeholders in this transition. We combine energy technology, digitalization, IT security, and business models in an interdisciplinary research approach – from assets to market integration – and test our solutions in our own realistic test and field environments. This way, we create resilient, secure, and sustainable energy systems.

 

Data & Artificial Intelligence

We enable efficient, interoperable, and secure handling of data from energy systems.

  • Artificial Intelligence: Development environments, services, and testing
  • Digital twins for plants, grids, and processes
  • Interoperable data models
 

Automation & Control Technology

We develop scalable, modular IT and OT solutions for stable, flexible grid and plant operations.

  • Modular control systems and virtual switchgear
  • Assistance systems for grid management and operations
  • Development of cyber-physical systems
 

IT Security for Critical Infrastructures

We make energy systems resilient against cyberattacks through practical security solutions from research and development.

  • Prevention: Vulnerability search, design and implementation of security measures
  • Detection: Industrial IDS, integration of log and process data
  • Response: Incident response, forensics, malware analysis
 

Digital Infrastructures & Platform Technologies

We research and design modern information and communication solutions that support today’s and tomorrow’s energy systems.

  • Development of data spaces for the energy system
  • Web 3.0 technologies and SSI for secure identities
  • High-performance, edge, and quantum technologies
 

Digital Business Models & Market Integration

We develop IT solutions for innovative market mechanisms and value creation models in a decarbonized and digitized energy economy.

  • Digital CO2 certificates and product passports
  • Machine identities and IT-supported market participation
  • Future-oriented market design and platform economy