Dear readers of the vgbe energy journal,

Research is not just an additional element of energy technology; it is fundamental to it. During this period of profound transformation, research will determine whether Europe’s energy system can meet the growing demands of climate protection, security of supply, affordability, and resilience. The development of tomorrow’s energy technology will not be driven solely by political objectives or market signals, but by systematic, long-term research that develops and evaluates technological options and scales them up for industrial use.

In this regard, Europe faces a double challenge. Firstly, existing infrastructures must continue to be operated, modernised and safely controlled. On the other hand, transitioning to a largely greenhouse gas-neutral energy system requires new technologies, system architectures and operating regimes. Research bridges the gap between these two areas. It paves the way for conventional power plant and grid technology to become more flexible, digital and low-emission, while simultaneously rendering new building blocks, such as hydrogen technologies, large-scale storage, power-to-X processes and CO2 capture and utilisation, technically controllable.

System research plays a particularly important role in the European context. The high penetration of fluctuating renewable energies, the coupling of national electricity markets and grids, and the growing dependence on electrified industrial and transport processes necessitate a holistic approach. Research must optimise not only individual components, but also analyse how they interact within the overall system. Questions regarding grid stability, controllability, black start capability and resilience to technical, climatic or cyber-related disruptions can only be thoroughly answered at this level.

At the same time, the focus of energy technology research is shifting. As well as efficiency and material issues, greater emphasis is being placed on operating strategies, data availability and evaluation, automation, and artificial intelligence. Digital twins, simulation-based decision support and predictive maintenance are opening up new possibilities for the safe and efficient operation of plants. Research provides the methodological basis for reliably using data and stably managing complex systems, even under uncertain conditions.

For Europe, research is also a strategic factor in international competition. Technological sovereignty is achieved when expertise is available throughout the entire value chain, from basic research to pilot plants to industrial implementation. As energy technology is heavily investment-driven and designed for the long term, it requires reliable research structures and close integration between science, industry, and operational practice. This is the only way to translate innovations into marketable solutions in a timely manner.

Looking to the future, it is clear that requirements will continue to increase. Demand for electricity is growing, systems are becoming more complex, and tolerance for failures is decreasing. Consequently, research is becoming increasingly important for risk management in the energy transition. It reduces uncertainty, provides a basis for decision-making, and allows well-informed comparisons between different technological approaches. In this sense, research is a driver of progress and a prerequisite for the ability to act.

The energy technology of tomorrow is being developed in Europe today by everyone involved in research and teaching, as well as by companies in laboratories, test fields, demonstration plants and in the ongoing operation of real systems. Research ensures that this path is taken responsibly rather than experimentally. It provides the basis for building an efficient, resilient and sustainable energy system.