The energy transition and the VideKIS research project: a glimpse into the future of energy supply

September 2021 marked the start of the research project ‘Integrated virtual power plant network of decentralised small-scale plants for AI-supported provision of system services’, or VideKIS for short. In addition to the partners TU Dortmund, Pionext, H&S GmbH and urban energy, adesso is also involved in this research project. adesso's subproject includes the AI-supported control and market logic for virtual power plants from decentralised systems to provide system services.

The energy transition as an opportunity for innovation and technology

The energy transition – a profound transformation that has shaped and changed the way we generate and use energy in recent decades – is the engine of the current shift towards a sustainable future. Since its beginnings in the 1990s, it has pursued a clear goal: the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar energy. Alongside these renewable energies, hydropower and biomass plants are increasingly important for electricity generation in Germany. A key driver of this development was the reaction to the climate crisis, forest dieback and, above all, the risks of nuclear energy, which were highlighted by disasters such as the Chernobyl reactor accident in 1986 and became the focus of political discussion. The first debates about the finite nature of fossil fuels took place as early as the 1970s, but it was only in the 1990s that the idea of a ‘turnaround’ in energy policy gained momentum. The decision to phase out nuclear energy, the introduction of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in 2000 and the promotion of wind and solar energy laid the foundation for a fundamental restructuring of the energy system. The EEG guaranteed operators of renewable energy plants fixed feed-in tariffs, which greatly accelerated the expansion of these technologies.

The three pillars of the energy transition: decentralisation, digitalisation and decarbonisation

Three central pillars have long provided the framework for developments in the energy industry: decentralisation, decarbonisation and digitalisation. These factors, among other things, form the background for the VideKIS research project, which fits precisely into this logic and optimises the use of small, decentralised producers using AI. But before we go into detail, it's worth taking a look at the beginnings of the energy transition to better understand the dynamics and significance of the VideKIS project.

Decentralisation: the new era of energy generation

At the heart of the energy transition is decentralisation. While traditional energy generation was highly centralised – large coal or nuclear power plants fed most of the electricity into the grid – the energy transition relies on a large number of small, decentralised plants. This change is driven by renewable energies: wind farms, solar plants and small hydroelectric power plants are usually distributed locally and require a flexible, adaptable grid.

Decentralisation not only brings technical challenges, but also opportunities. Small, decentralised plants can balance out regional differences in energy production and offer greater resilience to disruptions. Projects like VideKIS are picking up on precisely this trend by making decentralised generation smarter and more efficient. By using AI and cloud technologies, small-scale producers that would otherwise not be able to participate in the primary control power market are bundled into a virtual power plant and optimally integrated into the energy system.

Decarbonisation: the path to a climate-neutral future

Alongside decentralisation, decarbonisation is a central aspect of the energy transition. The switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is necessary to achieve global climate targets and to reduce CO By 2045, Germany wants to become climate-neutral, i.e. stop emitting climate-damaging greenhouse gases or offset them through measures such as reforestation or CO2 storage. Energy generation plays an important role in this.

Digitalisation: the future of energy through intelligent systems

The third pillar of the energy transition is digitalisation. Modern energy systems require digital technologies to function efficiently and reliably. Intelligent grid technologies, energy management systems and platform solutions play a crucial role in controlling decentralised producers and consumers. AI-supported technologies operate in the background, analysing the collected data and optimising energy production and use, among other things. However, digitalisation goes beyond technical optimisation. It also enables new business models and marketing strategies. By connecting consumers and producers in real time, more flexible pricing models and dynamic tariffs can be developed that control and optimise energy consumption.

VideKIS – research as part of the adesso DNA

The VideKIS research project has a clear goal: to develop a virtual power plant that is capable of providing primary control power from decentralised small-scale plants in the field of renewable energies. This is particularly important for the stability of the power grid, since primary control power helps to compensate for fluctuations in the grid in real time. While this task has so far been performed mainly by large power plants, VideKIS is showing a forward-looking way in which small, distributed plants can also be integrated into this system.

The development of a modern and specially adapted software solution makes it possible to identify and effectively utilise the untapped potential of small plants, such as solar, wind or small hydroelectric power plants. Until now, these plants have often been unable to participate in the market for primary control power due to their small size. VideKIS aims to close this gap and ensure that these players in the energy transition can also contribute to grid stability.

Primary control power from renewable energies: a milestone for the energy transition

The main objective of the project is to provide primary control power entirely from renewable energies. In doing so, VideKIS is making a decisive contribution to a future in which the energy industry is based 100 per cent on renewable energies. The energy transition requires not only the massive expansion of wind and solar energy, but also intelligent solutions for the efficient integration and control of these decentralised and fluctuating energy sources.

In addition to the provision of primary control power, the project has further priorities. These are:

• Improving performance and price forecasts to enable more precise planning and marketing.
• Reducing manual activities through automation, making operations more efficient and cost-effective.
• Ensuring reliable power plant operation that also works in an increasingly complex and decentralised energy system.

Intuitive software for efficient management

Another key aspect of VideKIS is the development of a user-friendly software solution. This software offers plant operators an intuitive interface that is easy to use. This means that even technically less adept operators can easily integrate their plants into the virtual power plant and take advantage of the opportunities offered by primary control power. In addition, the software enables real-time data processing and analysis, so that operators can make informed decisions based on up-to-date information. This is particularly valuable for responding flexibly to market conditions or grid requirements.

VideKIS shows how the combination of renewable energies, decentralised generation and modern technology can shape the future of the energy industry. It not only offers solutions to current challenges, but also creates new economic prospects for small and medium-sized plant operators.

If you are interested in the research results or would like to learn more, come and meet us at E-World 2025 in Essen.

Would you like to learn more about exciting topics from the adesso world? Then take a look at our previously published blog posts.