Research, development and innovation

Energie AG pursues a clear strategic orientation with a view to research, development and innovation in order to prepare itself in the best possible way for future challenges. In doing so, Energie AG plays an active role in the development of future-oriented solutions in order to fulfil its social responsibility towards future generations and to ensure a secure energy supply for its customers which is as independent of fossil fuels as possible. The fields of activity are in line with the overarching “LOOP” strategy, which envisages a clear path of expansion in the renewable energies sector as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions along the entire cycle from generation, through distribution, to disposal. The specific focuses in the 2023/2024 fiscal year were the ongoing development of the hydrogen infrastructure and the decarbonisation of waste incineration. Additionally, work pushed forward on innovative projects in the fields of sustainable heat systems and geothermal energy, and for ensuring flexibility and control in the electricity grids.

Progress in digitalisation and automation, in particular with regard to operational management and grid connection applications for PV systems, remains a central driver for the rapid expansion of the grid infrastructure and the successful implementation of the energy transition. Close collaboration and a continuous exchange with partners from science and business continue to be decisive for the success of research projects and technological developments. These cooperations generate mutual benefits and boost the innovative strength that is essential for a sustainable and future-oriented energy supply.

Since 1 October 2019, Wertstatt 8 GmbH has actively promoted innovative business models and new solutions. This wholly owned subsidiary focuses its activities on the development of digital solutions and innovative business models relating to energy, the environment, and sustainability. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the focus was on validating business ideas, elaborating new ideas in the innovation field “Energy efficiency and minimal use of resources”, which arose in the group-wide “LOOP” strategy project, and developing a solution for validating the ability to implement an AI-based consultant for a more sustainable way of living. In addition, preparations for spinning off a business idea into a separate company (LINO Solutions GmbH) were made and implemented. LINO focuses on the analysis of smart meter data using machine learning and, building on this, on the development of a digital safety net for people in need of care.

As part of the Group-wide “LOOP” strategy project, the topic of “innovation” was anchored in the new “Group Innovation” holding entity with a view to managing and pushing forward with innovation management within the Group. The first international Startup Challenge took place in the 2023/2024 fiscal year; innovative technologies for the Energie AG value chain were identified here and cost-efficient solutions for internal Group challenges developed. More than 130 start-ups from 40 countries applied for the three advertised challenges. In cooperation with the Group’s internal departments, a concept was developed to verify implementation feasibility in each case. In addition, the Group invested in two start-up funds in order to identify start-ups for innovation partnerships and collaborations and gain a more comprehensive view of international market developments. An interdisciplinary innovation committee was set up to promote innovative projects at Energie AG. The committee establishes transparency with regard to all innovation activities within Energie AG and reaches decisions on the allocation of funds and/or the progress of innovation projects along the innovation process chain.

In fiscal year 2023/2024, research, development and innovation were pursued in the following projects (non-exhaustive list):

Large-scale implementation of compounding

In the scope of the project, a solution for load-dependent voltage control (also known as compounding) in the medium-voltage grid was developed. Due to the rapid expansion of decentralised generating systems, above all photovoltaic plants, high voltage peaks at the low-voltage level are also increasingly affecting the medium-voltage level. In addition to the expansion of the medium-voltage grid, the aim of compounding is to reduce voltage peaks through targeted load-dependent voltage control and ensure grid stability by doing so. The objective of this work is therefore the development of load-dependent voltage control characteristic curves for each 110/30 kV substation of Netz Oberösterreich GmbH (Netz OÖ). Voltage control characteristic curves were created on the basis of the voltage spread between the busbar in the substation and the branch ends. Various methods of maintaining the voltage at the branch ends were investigated. Extrapolating low-voltage measurement data by applying the transformer impedance to the medium-voltage level proved to be the best method. Based on this data, characteristic control curves were computed for 53 transformers at 47 substations. A reduction of up to 4.0% is possible for the majority of transformers; this is capable of compensating for voltage problems caused by volatile generation systems. It proved possible to implement compounding at 35 Netz OÖ substations by October 2024.

Effects of climate change on electricity generated from hydroelectric power at Energie AG

This analysis studies the effects of climate change on the hydropower plants at Energie AG up to the year 2050. The project’s objective is to establish whether – and to what extent – the outflow volumes, which are decisive for energy generation from hydroelectric power, have already changed and how they could develop in the future. To this end, historical outflow data was analysed to identify existing changes and future scenarios were generated with the help of climate models and hydrological simulations. One of the most important findings is the increase in precipitation volumes, which is attributable to higher evaporation from water surfaces and lower snowfall due to rising temperatures. It was not possible to identify a clear trend in average outflow, but a change in seasonal outflow distribution is evident with higher outflow in winter and lower outflow in summer. This seasonal shift is clearly evident in both the historical data and the future projections. The findings from the analysis have been integrated into the planning process at Energie AG. Based on the analysis and the climate projections, it would be incorrect to assume that climatic effects will lead to a decrease in electricity generated from hydroelectric power.

INNOnet

The expansion of decentralised generation systems and the steadily growing number of electric vehicles and heat pumps are leading to a higher and more local load on the low-voltage grid. The current structure of grid utilisation fees is static and does not take this load into account. The potential of load-dependent grid tariffs to change consumption behaviour is being tested in the INNOnet project. In the scope of a “regulatory sandbox”, a dynamic tariff structure developed in the project is being tested in 500 selected households. In the Netz OÖ grid area, the tariffs for the following day are determined as a function of the simulated grid load and communicated to the customers. The aim of this project is to determine the potential of achievable flexibility in actual operations and to investigate its impact on grid load. The aim of this research project is to investigate the effect and practicability of dynamic grid utilisation fees and contribute to future discussions on the design of grid charges.

“Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage” (CCUS) – analysis of the potential of the Wels waste incineration plant and identifying development opportunities

The waste incineration sector is currently in a monitoring phase with regard to potential integration into the EU emissions trading system. To push forward with decarbonisation in the sector, and be prepared for possible legal developments in this area, a project was launched to shed light on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS chain). The specific focus is on current developments in Europe. Further key elements include the assessment of amine scrubbing technology for its suitability as a CO₂ capture process in thermal waste treatment, and the identification of potentially problematic technical issues and alternative processes. Based on this, a draft strategy will be drawn up and a balance sheet model developed to illustrate the pertinent energy and material flows. The overall process will then be comprehensively evaluated from an economic perspective.