Resilient energy systems to safeguard supply

ReESy

Symbolbild ReESy
Störungen der Energieversorgung durch Cyberattacken oder Extremwettereignisse
Credit:

KI-generiertes Symbolbild (OpenAI ChatGPT)

Designing reliable energy systems – even under extreme conditions

The ReESy (Resilient Energy Systems) project investigates the design and operation of energy systems under extreme conditions. While most previous research has focused on normal operation, ReESy specifically addresses rare but critical events that could jeopardise the stability of the energy supply. This is in response to recent major disruptions, such as blackouts, and the increasing risks posed by climate change and geopolitical developments.
The project aims to design energy systems that can operate resiliently even under external disturbances, minimise the probability of widespread outages, and guarantee rapid restoration (e.g. black start capability) in the event of a disruption.

ReESy considers extreme situations at three levels:

  • Regional: damage scenarios caused by terrorism or war
  • National: weather-related extreme situations with widespread impacts
  • Global: impacts on markets and supply chains.

To this end, existing DLR system models are being consolidated and developed further to simulate extreme scenarios and identify vulnerabilities in the energy system.
The work is divided into four key areas: ensuring a secure energy supply in the event of damaged infrastructure; ensuring a secure energy supply during weather-related extreme situations; increasing the resilience of energy sector structures and transformation pathways; and establishing and implementing a laboratory infrastructure to validate the results.

Contribution Institute for AI Safety and Security

The DLR Institute contributes its expertise in cybersecurity and data quality.
In cybersecurity, the focus is on analysing cyberattacks on energy systems. The aim is to identify typical attack vectors, determine critical system areas, and derive suitable protective measures. Investigations are carried out using offshore wind farms and vehicle-to-grid applications, among other things.
In the area of data quality, the Institute examines the potential consequences of data quality issues, particularly during extreme weather events. Realistic disturbances are introduced into simulation data to assess their impact on analytical methods and grid stability. The ultimate goal is to enhance the resilience of data-driven methods within the energy system.

Participating DLR institutes and facilities

Institute for AI Safety and Security

At the Institute for AI Safety & Security, we research and develop on both our sites in Sankt Augustin and in Um, AI-related methods, processes, algorithms, technologies and execution and system environments. Our focus is on safe and standard-compliant AI, cyber security in open data and service ecosystems and AI, as well as autonomous mobility and logistics facilitation.

Institute of Networked Energy Systems

The DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems in Oldenburg and Stuttgart develops technologies and concepts for future energy supply on the basis of renewable energies.

Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures

The Institute focuses on the resilience of maritime infrastructures and maritime safety technologies. It pursues the social mission of protecting critical infrastructures to ensure economic prosperity and stability.

Institute of Maritime Technologies and Propulsion Systems

The Institute of Maritime Technologies and Propulsion Systems in Geesthacht and Kiel provides technological developments to give the maritime industry security for its investment decisions in new technologies and thus accelerate the transformation of waterborne transport.

Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures

The Institute develops suitable methods and instruments to detect threats to critical infrastructures at an early stage, to evaluate them and to be able to take appropriate defensive measures.

Contact

Dr. Michael Karl

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for AI Safety and Security
Safety-Critical Data Infrastructures
Rathausallee 12, 53757 Sankt Augustin
Germany

Karoline Bischof

Consultant Public Relations
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute for AI Safety and Security
Business Development and Strategy
Rathausallee 12, 53757 Sankt Augustin
Germany