Competence Center for
Energy Transition (CC4E) Competence Center for Energy Transition (CC4E)

We are investigating how the energy transition can be made economically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

The Society and Sustainability competence area deals with the social aspects of the energy transition. Given the complexity of the challenges posed by the energy transition, this is conceived as a task for society as a whole, requiring strategies that are economically viable whilst also being socially and environmentally sustainable. The broad interdisciplinary expertise enables ecological, social science, educational and economic perspectives on current issues relating to the energy transition.

Social science research into renewable energy and the energy transition focuses on issues of social acceptance and equity, participation, governance and social innovation. These topics are addressed, amongst other things, through research conducted in parallel with technological projects. At the Curslack Research Wind Farm, for example, research is being carried out into how energy transition technologies affect the environment and society. This includes issues relating to species conservation, biodiversity, environmental impacts, and individual attitudes and perceptions.

The economic focus of this competence area is on researching and developing innovative market and business models for new technologies, as well as strategies and framework conditions for their market ramp-up.

Techno-economic analyses and life cycle assessments (LCA) also play an important role in the context of the energy transition. They enable technologies to be evaluated across their entire life cycle, combining technical performance with environmental impact and economic viability. Working closely with the Energy System Analysis competence area, this standardised and systematic analysis provides an evidence-based foundation for decision-making for policymakers, industry and other stakeholder groups.

The research projects carried out at the CC4E are always accompanied by appropriate communication of the project and its findings. The aim is to engage in intensive dialogue with citizens and representatives of civil society regarding future changes to the energy supply, in the spirit of participation and transdisciplinarity. In addition to sharing relevant knowledge and information, this also involves identifying stakeholders' interests and positions as well as engaging in joint dialogue on future action.