How do practical energy challenges and science come together—to foster innovative solutions for the energy transition and innovative research projects?
To this end, the Karlsruhe Energy Research Partnership (FPSKA) once again organized a matching workshop at the end of 2025, bringing together over 50 participants from academia and the municipal energy sector at Campus Nord.

In his joint opening remarks with Dr. Steffen Knapp (Stadtwerke Karlsruhe), Dr. Wolfgang Breh (KIT Center for Energy) made it clear:

“The goal today is not to launch a research project immediately . Rather, these workshops have proven their worth for over a decade in specifically highlighting current topics, identifying areas of expertise, and knowing whom to contact—when research needs become more concrete or a rapid technical assessment is required. This networking among researchers and decision-makers in the energy sector has always served as the solid foundation for subsequent joint research projects.”

To kick things off, the keynote presentation by Prof. Dr. Veit Hagenmeyer (IAI, KIT) on the topic of “Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructures” highlighted the importance of resilient energy systems for energy supply.

In the subsequent marketplace format, participants engaged in intensive, multi-perspective discussions at five thematic tables— each moderated by two experts from academia and industry:

1. Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructures
2. Process efficiency – AI-supported process efficiency improvements
3. Use of AI for the analysis of energy data
4. Realistic transformation pathways for implementing the energy transition
5. Grid stability and Smart Grid / Smart City

Many thanks to all participants for the engaging presentations and discussions!

The Karlsruhe Energy Research Partnership (FPS KA) is an alliance of four partners: the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Stadtwerke Karlsruhe GmbH (SWK), Stadtwerke Karlsruhe Netzservice GmbH (SWKN), and the DVGW Research Center at the Engler-Bunte Institute of KIT (DVGW-EBI).

It promotes a continuous, practical exchange of knowledge and experience between research and the energy industry—with the goal of jointly exploring relevant topics and laying the groundwork for future research and innovation projects.