With the energy transition, Germany has set itself the goal of creating – within a few decades – a fundamentally new, sustainable, decentralized energy system with hardly any CO2 emissions. The change to this new system is one of the biggest challenges of our society. PTB, as the national metrology institute of Germany, wants to support all stakeholders – from the fields of industry and politics to consumers – in this endeavor. After all, reliable measurements are the prerequisite for safety, efficiency, and consumer protection.
PTB has already developed measurement and calibration capabilities in the fields of solar energy and wind power which, in part, are unique worldwide. However, a successful energy transition also requires powerful transmission and distribution grids, batteries and other storage elements, the development of hydrogen technologies as well as energy efficiency. Together with partners from industry, PTB’s scientists are also developing suitable measuring methods and standards in these fields of work. The focus is, in particular, on the coupling of energy sectors, on the stabilization of the electricity grid, and on hydrogen as an energy carrier. All this will play a key role in the energy system of the future.
In addition to all the challenges, the energy transition gives us the chance of becoming the stage for climate-friendly technologies that are “made in Germany”. This, however, can only succeed with excellent measurement technology. Excellent measurement technology is the key to protecting our environment and climate as well as to supplying energy that is secure, compatible with the environment, and cost-effective.
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