Discussion Paper Academies’ Project “Energy Systems of the Future” (ESYS)
Published by acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities
(2023, 24 pages)
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine shook the world, and the circumstances of Germany’s energy supply have changed. This uncertainty has given rise to fears of a blackout due to an energy shortage: are blackouts in Germany likely?
This impulse paper addresses these concerns and looks to the future. The ESYS experts summarize: not every power outage is a blackout and temporary interruptions to the electricity supply do not necessarily mean the catastrophic consequences some people are currently envisaging. It is important to distinguish between terms here in order to avoid spreading panic. The experts consider a blackout due to energy shortages unlikely, since the energy system as a whole is very secure: grid operators have various instruments at their disposal to maintain control over the grid even in difficult circumstances.
However: the energy supply is becoming decentralized and increasingly digitalized, creating new opportunities but also new risks. The experts consider addressing these risks now to be central to future energy security. To this end, they identify four fields of action.
Head of Department Science – Policy – Society, Head of Berlin Office
Phone | 030 203 8997 - 865 |
Fax | |
elmar.koenig (at)leopoldina.org |