Welcome to the Research Group for Resilient Energy Systems

Information about the Department for Resilient Energy Systems

The research conducted by the Resilient Energy Systems research group focuses on examining and supporting transformation processes in the future energy system.

One key focus is on the concept of transformative resilience - the ability to use profound changes or disruptive events in the energy system as an opportunity to shape sustainable and robust structures. In this context, we develop approaches to create less vulnerable systems - not only as a reaction to such disruptions but also proactively through early strategic planning. Another main area of our work is data-driven analysis of sociotechnical vulnerabilities and risks, as well as model-based foresight of future scenarios for urban and industrial infrastructures.

We develop tools for energy system modeling and optimization, as well as digital planning tools, to simulate the impact of various measures on resilience and sustainability in the energy system. Together with transformation actors beyond research, we create well-founded decision-making bases for the complex transformation of the energy system. With the help of urban twins, we provide promising starting points to capture complex interconnections and support transformation actors in intricate decision-making processes.

The Virtual Transformation Lab (VTL) offers an environment where these topics can be collaboratively shaped with different stakeholder groups. The VTL provides both traditional analog and digital interactive tools (LED wall & touch tables) to optimally support different phases of transformation processes. As part of the Digital Hub Industry in the NEOS building at the University of Bremen's Technology Park, the department is optimally networked with research and industry partners.

As a member of the artec Research Center for Sustainability at the University of Bremen, the department is embedded in the research focus "Sociotechnical Systems and Sustainability." Additionally, the group is part of the Bremen Research Center for Energy Systems "Energy for Economy and Society" (BEST).

Members of this research group come from mechanical engineering, process engineering, biology, physics, and social sciences; they collaborate in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects.

On 31 December 2024, the project QUARREE100 officially ended.

After the neighbourhood research project, which was one of six projects in Germany funded by both the BMBF and the BMWK as part of the Solar Building / Energy Efficient City funding initiative, received a cost-neutral extension of two years, the project was concluded on October 24th, 2024 in Heide as part of an event for project partners and partner projects.

The project was initiated by the founder of the Resilient Energy Systems department, Prof. Dr Stefan G??ling-Reisemann, to whom we are grateful and in memory of.

A stakeholder-orientated results can be found at this link.
Furthermore, the partners in the research project have published detailed essayson the research and experience gained in the project.
In addition to many other activities in the project, the Resilient Energy Systems department is particularly responsible for the further development and support of the open energy modelling framework (oemof) and the interactive Decision Visualisation Environment Q-Scope.

Despite the fact that the project was not realised due to corporate political interests, local political dynamics and different crises affecting the course of the project, valuable contributions to science were made during the 7-year term, researchers were able to produce publications and dissertations and further developments of the Rüsdorfer Kamp and Heide neighbourhood were supported.

We would like to thank all project partners, the BMBF and especially the residents of the neighbourhood.
Moreover, we would also like to thank all the staff who worked on the project at the Resilient Energy Systems department:

Prof. Dr. Stefan G??ling-Reisemann
Dr. Torben Stührmann
Dr.-Ing. Uwe Krien
Dr.-Ing. Johannes R?der
Dr.-Ing. Mariela Tapia
David Beier
Ingrid Bode
Benedikt Meyer
Tino Mitzinger
David Unland
Lennart Winkeler