The long-distance race is on

The German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI) organised the "All Electric Society Arena" at the Hannover Messe for the first time this year. With this step, the organisation emphasised the relevance of the topic and committed itself and its members to not only to discussing the All Electric Society (AES), but above all to shaping and designing it.

ZVEI regards sector coupling as playing a central role in the transformation of energy supply: this will enable the integration of different energy sources and sectors in order to create a sustainable and emission-free future. Electrification is the essential key here, as it combines industry, mobility and energy supply in a closed-loop system.

Gunther Koschnick, ZVEI Head of Industry, perceives growing enthusiasm for electrification in society.

There are also challenges, however:

Renewable energies and innovative technologies have a decisive role to play in sector coupling. According to Koschnick, the industry represented by ZVEI could provide these technologies - and it already does. The proof: The use of energy management systems (EMS), heat pumps, electric cars and PV systems can be intelligently controlled and thereby utilised to benefit the grid. This applies, for example, to the bidirectional charging of electric cars, which can also serve as storage units. In addition, smart metering systems enable secure communication between the EMS and the grid operator and form the foundation for dynamic electricity tariffs.

Another significant aspect is the development of smart grids that enable efficient load distribution and energy exchange between the various sectors in order to cover overall demand more sustainably.

The political and economic framework conditions also play a key role in the development process. Koschnick emphasises that companies investing in technology need investment security. This security is based on standards, clearly defined regulatory guidelines and requirements as well as incentive systems. After all, acceptance in society is crucial to making progress. In particular, the expansion of the infrastructure for electromobility is a key concern that is still being insufficiently pursued.

ZVEI is involved in specific campaigns and initiatives to further promote the topics of electrification and AES. Koschnick emphasises that it is crucial to inform the public and present best practices in order to raise the overall awareness of the benefits of sector coupling. The presentation at trade fairs - such as in Hanover - and addressing the general public plays an important role in communicating the successes of the member companies. The ZVEI association also promotes sector coupling and electrification in Germany through its political commitment. Through discussions with legislative decision-makers, the aim is to create general framework conditions that support the expansion of the infrastructure and reduce bureaucratic obstacles. The association is also committed to developing standards and norms that facilitate the integration of the multifaceted technologies. In co-operation with companies and research institutes, ZVEI supports innovative projects that act as beacons and serve as notable examples of best practices. Gunther Koschnick emphasises the importance of these joint efforts: They create trust in new solutions and serve to advance their widespread use.

ZVEI regards investment security as a central and vital factor in the acceptance of new technologies. Koschnick emphasises that electricity, especially from renewable energies, should no longer be more expensive than fossil fuels: "Incentive systems are necessary to create the most attractive framework conditions for investments. A well-designed regulatory environment is becoming increasingly pivotal to encourage companies and people to invest in innovative technologies. Specifically, ZVEI is in favour of reducing the electricity tax to the EU minimum and abolishing other levies, such as the CHP levy."

The so-called "first mover" advantage is important here: Companies that invest in electrification now stand to gain a decisive competitive advantage over later players. What’s more, a long-term vision for an electrified society must be clearly communicated in order to drive the transformation forward.