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

We develop and evaluate technologies for the efficient use of wind and solar energy to achieve a climate-neutral energy supply.

Renewable electricity generation from wind and solar power is a key pillar of the energy transition. The CC4E is researching how these technologies can be made more efficient, more reliable and better integrated into the energy system.

In the field of wind energy, the CC4E’s own Research Wind Farm in Curslack enables hands-on investigations under real operating conditions. Here, the CC4E analyses, amongst other things, how the output and service life of wind turbines can be improved, and what role wake turbulence plays in wind farm operations. This involves the use of measurement technology such as LiDAR devices and a wind measurement mast to compare flow simulations with real wind farm data. The development of new conceptual designs – such as multi-rotor and two-bladed turbines – opens up additional prospects for high-performance, low-maintenance next-generation wind turbines.

Another area of research is acoustic analysis of wind energy technology. This aims to precisely measure, analyse and optimise the noise emissions from wind turbines. This involves, among other things, the use of modern techniques such as acoustic cameras to locate noise sources and draw conclusions about operating conditions and potential faults. Through its research, the CC4E thus creates an important link to the research area of Society and Sustainability(LINK): by presenting sound measurements in a clear and accessible manner, for example through auralisation and comprehensible visualisation, the impacts of wind turbines can be communicated transparently and public acceptance can be increased.

The CC4E is also working on how wind energy can contribute to the provision of balancing power in the future, with a goal of making the energy system more flexible and stable.

In the field of photovoltaics, the CC4E is investigating how solar energy can be best utilised in urban and regional energy systems. Together with a number of partners, the CC4E helped develop the solar potential study, which provided crucial input for Hamburg’s solar strategy. It highlights which roofs, facades and open spaces can be utilised in a cost-effective manner and what role PV can play in the future in conjunction with storage, electromobility and heat supply. Building on these findings, the CC4E is researching how solar power can be systematically integrated into neighbourhoods, buildings and local infrastructure.

In the field of hydropower, the CC4E is investigating how untapped potential can be harnessed on a decentralised basis to supply even remote regions with energy in a way that protects both fish populations as well as river ecosystems.

Through a combination of practical research at its own wind farm, the analysis of urban PV potential, the investigation of decentralised and environmentally sustainable hydropower use, and a systemic view of renewable generation, the CC4E makes an important contribution to the development of modern, reliable and sustainable generation concepts for a climate-neutral energy system.