Editorial

Efficient and intelligent!

Extremely high energy prices have been a burden on people and the economy. A solution for electricity is to step up production, which is supposed to bring prices down. Two other measures offer at least as much potential: increasing efficiency and reducing demand. In a brief study, economists at the University of Erlangen concluded that pushing these two measures, combined with an expansion of renewable energies, would actually offer the greatest potential. The Jülich Living Lab Energy Campus (LLEC) shows how this could work in the future. Thanks to an intelligent energy system combining sustainability and economic efficiency, the participating buildings and laboratories of Forschungszentrum Jülich manage with less energy – without restrictions for the employees, but with more user comfort. To this end, sectors such as electricity and heat are intelligently connected, energy is used according to demand, and consumption is largely controlled automatically. The approach of the living lab might serve as a blueprint for small districts or settlements.

Jülich researchers are developing intelligent approaches in other areas as well: for example, in reviewing data on air quality in Germany, in further developing quantum computers, or in advancing brain research.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue.

Your effzett editorial team