Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Project

RESUME

Multi-criteria optimization: Impacts of recycling potentials, critical resources and supply chain risks resulting from the energy transition in Germany (Energiewende)

Expand all Close all

The Energiewende calls for a fundamental transformation of the energy system’s raw material requirements. Whereas it is the operation in Germany’s current, mainly fossil-based system that accounts for the majority of material flows, in a future, renewable-based energy system, it will be the installations. This type of system is resource-intensive and requires numerous metals and individual industrial metals that have already been classified as critical raw materials. Their availability, both now and in the future, is crucial for the successful implementation of a renewable energy system in view of the planet’s limits and geopolitical dependencies.

The objective of this project is to identify energy transformation pathways with an overall lower use of critical raw materials that reduce supply risks and consider the recycling potential of renewable technologies (circular economy). A multi-criteria-based analysis aims to optimize both the security of supply and the system costs of Germany’s energy system.

  • Indicators of resource availability and an open database for prospective resource demand and availability, taking recycling into consideration
  • Extending an open tool (REMix) for multi-criteria expansion planning as well as a new method for intelligent, multi-criteria research on energy systems that are optimal in the long term
  • A set of robust transformation pathways that are optimal in the long term
  • A visual tool for explorative analysis and interactive decision-making, tailored to energy planning
  • Concrete actions for the Energiewende

Duration

April 2022 until March 2025

Client

  • Forschungszentrum Jülich, lead project partner for the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

Partners

  • German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Stuttgart
  • GAMS Software GmbH, Frechen
  • Data Analysis and Visualization Group (VIS), University of Konstanz
  • Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Sub-Department Geology of Mineral Resources, and German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA)