Senior Research Consultant
+49(0)89 158121-82
namer@ffe.de
FfE Cooperation Forums
Explaining Instead of Demanding - Working Together to Deliver Solutions - Strengthening Germany’s Industrial Competitiveness
The cooperation forums bring together companies from key industries and the energy sector to develop practical solutions for grid connection and grid integration. These topics are central to the ramp‑up of new applications and are crucial for the competitiveness of Germany as a business location.
These issues are central to the rollout of new applications and crucial to Germany’s competitiveness as a business location.
Network Meeting of the Cooperation Partners
On October 14, we will jointly present the initial results from the cooperation forums on stage at the IHK. The focus will be on concrete, real-world questions: How are companies dealing with limited grid connections? What is holding projects back today? And what solutions are currently emerging?
October 14, 2026
IHK Munich – Atrium (Ground Floor)
Max-Joseph-Straße 2
80333 Munich
Are you interested in participating in our cooperation forums?
In the forums on largescale battery storage, electrification of logistics, electrification of industry, data centres, and electrolysis, more than 100 partners from across Germany are working together on practically applicable solutions. The initiative is complemented by a crosscutting format on grid connection and integration, which addresses the infrastructural perspective and integrates grid operators into the forums in a targeted and topicspecific manner.
The methodological approach encompasses:
- Structured exchange: In-depth, research-based analyses of current issues by the FfE contribute to the development of potential solutions.
- Scientific support: We contribute to solution‑finding through in‑depth, research‑based analyses of current issues.
- Developing solutions from diverse components: Our aim is to develop solutions that are supported by a majority of the participating companies.
In addition, we are engaged in dialogue with regulatory decisionmakers. The cooperation forums are supported by the associations vbw and BDEW.
Cooperation Forum Large-Scale Battery Storage
In the first phase of the Cooperation Forum on Large-Scale Battery Storage, a discussion paper was produced outlining the key challenges related to grid connection, FCAs, grid fees, and co-location, and presenting practical solution approaches. In Phase 2, we build on these results and once again offer analyses, solution approaches, and expert support within an evolving regulatory environment.
Key Areas of Action:
- Tools for grid-oriented storage operation
- Tools for efficient grid connection
- Future market potential of storage facilities
Cooperation Forum Electrification of Logistics
Logistics companies seeking to electrify their fleet are confronted with the complexity of the energy industry and must begin coordinating with new players, with whom they have had has been little prior contact.
Key Areas of Action:
- Grid connection and integration
- Fleet conversion and electricity supply
- Depot optimisation
- Charging network and routing
If you are interested in the work of the forum, please contact:
Cooperation Forum Electrification of Industry
The implementation of measures for the electrification and of production processes is associated with practical challenges and requires interaction with the upstream energy infrastructure.
Key Areas of Action:
- Grid connection and integration: Clear processes for rapid capacity increases.
- Technologies and strategies: Electrification of processes and process heat
- Energy and CO2 prices: Prerequisite for planning security and economic efficiency
- Challenges in switching energy sources: Removing practical obstacles
- Energy flexibility: Leveraging the added value of electrification and tapping into revenue potential.
If you are interested in the work of the forum, please contact:
Cooperation Forum Data Centres
The growing power requirements of data centres pose new challenges for energy systems and infrastructures and require close coordination between all stakeholders to ensure security of supply, data sovereignty, energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key Areas of Action:
- Grid connection and integration
- Flexible data centres
- Heat supply/waste heat utilisation
- Integration into the energy system
- Acceptance
- Sustainability
- Combined infrastructure planning
In addition to these areas of focus, other topics such as acceptance, sustainability, and integrated infrastructure planning are also addressed.
If you are interested in the work of the forum, please contact:
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Kirstin Ganz, M. Sc.Head of Digital Innovation and Flexibility Integration+49 (0)89 158121-49 kganz@ffe.de
Cooperation Forum Electrolysis
In the current challenging market environment, fragmented knowledge and a lack of exchange make it difficult to successfully implement electrolysis projects.
Key Areas of Action:
- Demand-side management tools and incentives: Bridging the gap between production costs and willingness to pay
- Grid-friendly integration of electrolysers: Harnessing the grid-friendly potential of electrolysers
- Electricity procurement and procurement criteria: Quantifying extra costs and identifying alternatives
- Hydrogen procurement: Standardising contracts and addressing risks
If you are interested in the work of the forum, please contact:
Crosscutting Format Transmission and Distribution Grids
The crosscutting format on grid connection and grid integration provides grid operators with a streamlined and focused framework to address current challenges, exchange experiences, and jointly develop solution approaches for the swift implementation of new grid connections.
Key Areas of Action:
- Grid connection and integration of large battery storage systems
- Grid connection and integration of logistics
- Grid connection and integration of industry
- Grid connection and integration of data centres
- Grid-friendly integration of electrolysers
If you are interested in the work of the format, please contact:
The Forums are Welcomed and Supported by
Contributing Institution
