Lecture by Thomas Kienberger: Routes to climate neutrality – key elements of future energy systems

Prof. Thomas Kienberger, Chair of Energy Network Technology at Montanuniversität Leoben, specialises in optimising public and industrial energy systems. His lecture will address challenges faced by the industrial sector during the energy transition, beginning with an overview of European and national trends in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. He will present best practice examples of how industrial energy systems can integrate with public grids, with a focus on waste heat recovery and system services.

The lecture will also explore decarbonising industrial processes, using efficiency methods such as exergy analysis and assessing their economic feasibility. Prof. Kienberger will discuss the integration of renewables, storage, and demand-side management (DSM), highlighting AI-driven solutions to enhance flexibility. Participants will engage with case studies and practical examples to apply these concepts and carry out independent analyses for energy optimisation strategies towards climate neutrality.