To solve its complex tasks, the Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE) uses a range of various systematic methods and approaches, which are in line with modern research. In the following, you will find further information on our methods including some project examples.
In order to represent reality in a systematic and simplified way and to allow the prediction of future trends, models are often applied. Based on these models, for example, scenarios for the future energy demand in Germany can be developed. Regarding energy in general, the increasingly unmanageable amount of information, which can hardly be assessed, often leads to ambiguity and insecurity in decision-making processes. The Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE) can address exactly this problem by selective gathering, editing and assessment of information. We call this process distillation of information.
System analyses are used to reveal energy-saving potentials in energy application and production. Apart from the description of measures resulting in increased energy efficiency, the cost effectiveness of these measures and practicability are analyzed.
For the revelation of saving potentials collateral measurements are often reasonable and required. With its large supply of measuring equipment and several battery test facilities, the Research Center for Energy Economics (FfE) can conduct a broad range of measurements by itself. Thereby, it can generate reliable data which can support and strengthen developed models. If you want to achieve a better estimation of the influence of processes on resources and the environment, solely relying on energy supply and CO2-emissions is often not sufficient. This is where the acknowledged method of energetic life-cycle assessment comes into play. All mass fluxes, energy inputs and a variety of energy-related emissions are considered based on a profound scientific background. This life-cycle assessment includes the production, the consumption and the disposal of an economic good.