From the electricity grid to a more sustainable energy system

The growing demand for energy, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the need for a stable and secure energy supply present significant challenges to the energy transition. Intelligent networking of energy generation, distribution, and consumption is key to leveraging efficiency potential, balancing out fluctuations, and strengthening energy autonomy. At the same time, the growing digitalization of the energy sector necessitates robust IT security strategies and innovative solutions to optimize data centers and distributed systems.

Carbon balance is zero. The hand of pollution and efficient management with netzero symbols, including green production, recycled trash, renewable energy, and reduced CO2 emissions.

Through the intersection of intelligent data and innovative communication solutions, Salzburg Research is significantly contributing to the digital transformation and sustainable shaping of the future of energy.

Communication technology plays an increasingly decisive role in the energy transition. Salzburg Research develops IT-supported automation and control solutions for smart grids and creates tools that facilitate cross-sector integration of renewable energies, strengthening the energy independence of entire regions. The institute also conducts research on increasing the efficiency of distributed systems and data centers by optimizing service allocation in the edge cloud continuum. In the field of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Salzburg Research uses innovative approaches, such as bidirectional charging, to demonstrate how this technology can provide added value beyond charging only. Currently, the institute is working on networking and evaluating data using AI methods, as well as investigating the use of satellite communication to restore the increasingly complex power supply after a blackout. The institute is focusing on strengthening local energy communities. By developing intelligent software tools and practical recommendations, Salzburg Research helps these communities optimize the use and management of their self-generated energy. This promotes regional independence and accelerates the energy transition at the local level.

Through intelligent networking, innovative communication solutions, and AI-supported analysis of energy data, Salzburg Research contributes significantly to the digital transformation and sustainable design of the energy future.

Research questions:

What automation architectures and communication solutions are necessary for supporting the energy transition?
How can data generated through digitalization be used to improve the efficiency of renewable energy systems?
Which AI methods are suitable for addressing specific issues of the energy transition?