Energy Transition and Climate Futures 

Our group conducts research and provides science-based policy advice on transforming energy systems toward climate neutrality. We investigate technological and policy pathways for developing flexible, digital, and renewable-based energy systems. A central focus of our work is the role of direct electrification, hydrogen, and e-fuels across key sectors such as transport, buildings, and industry. 

We pay particular attention to how energy-intensive industries – especially steel and chemical production – can transform and remain competitive amid global structural change, shifting trade dynamics, and increasing geopolitical fragmentation. 

Methodologically, we employ computational tools that bridge global scope with local detail. We combine global transformation pathways (e.g., based on the REMIND model maintained at PIK Potsdam) and global material flow analysis (flodym, REMIND-MFA) with detailed locational assessments of production costs and competitiveness (building on PyPSA maintained at TU Berlin and techno-economic analysis within the POSTED framework).