Germany offers an intriguing opportunity to observe the evolution of a well-established energy system in a highly industrialized country under changing conditions. The system shows a remarkable diversity. Domestic lignite from vast open cast mines and highly modern offshore-wind facilities work together with small-scale PV, onshore wind, nuclear, hard coal, natural gas and biomass-fired powerplants. The system that has proven to be reliable in the past is being challenged both by structural and market changes. Intermittent renewable generation has to be combined with conventional generation, nuclear and coal phase-out needs to be compensated, the power grid has to “collect” electricity from decentral generation, new sources of natural gas need to be acquired, an infrastructure for hydrogen (or other green energy carriers) needs to be developed, etc. This seminar gives an overview on energy infrastructure and markets in Germany and describes the development, political targets and future challenges of the energy system.

The seminar is open to the public. Stanford students enrolled in CEE 272T/EE 292T: SmartGrids and Advanced Power Systems Seminar must attend in person. All others, please register to attend on Zoom via the RSVP link.