The Scientific Advisory Board of the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI) convened on 28 August 2025 in Cologne. The focus was on the EWI’s current research priorities and the Institute’s planned strategic development. Alongside overarching questions, specific research projects and initiatives were presented.
In the thematic area “Electricity Markets & Distribution Grids”, Junior Professor Dr Oliver Ruhnau, Research Scientist at the EWI, presented the research programme “Integrated Electricity Market Design”, as well as current studies on grid connections for wind and PV, and on decentralised flexibilities. “With our work on market design issues in electricity distribution grids, we address the research needs arising from the increasing decentralisation of electricity generation as well as from new large and potentially flexible electricity consumers such as electric vehicles and heat pumps,” summarised Junior Professor Ruhnau.
Market design issues remain relevant at transmission grid level. On current work in the area “Electricity Markets & Transmission Grids”, Junior Professor Dr Michael Bucksteeg, also a Research Scientist at the EWI, reported. He provided an overview of the latest developments of the EWI’s own SPIDER model, which can be used to represent transmission grids and European electricity trading. In two current working papers by EWI researchers, this model is used, among other things, to examine a potential split of the German electricity market bidding zone and an incomplete redispatch regarding decentralised flexibilities.
Further thematic blocks dealt with the EWI’s research on “Hydrogen & Security of Supply” and “District Heating & Regulation”.
In the afternoon, EWI research associates had the opportunity to discuss ongoing research projects directly with individual members of the Advisory Board and to receive feedback for the further development of their projects. The projects presented included work on global markets for green hydrogen and its derivatives, on redistribution effects through cross-border electricity trading, on the reform of the German balancing energy market, and on the optimal marketing of renewable energies in sequential electricity markets. “It is extremely helpful for us to be able to discuss our research with such high-ranking and internationally renowned experts,” said Junior Professor Dr Oliver Ruhnau. “The Board’s input is extremely valuable and motivating for our further work.”
At the end of the meeting, the Board addressed recommendations for the further development of the Institute to the scientific management. The panel particularly commended the EWI’s methodological strength and broad thematic spectrum. “The EWI is conducting research on the relevant and pressing current issues in the energy sector,” said the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Dr Andreas Löschel of Ruhr University Bochum. “The projects presented impressively demonstrate the scientific quality and the high methodological standards of the Institute.”
EWI Director Professor Dr Marc Oliver Bettzüge said: “We are very grateful to the Board for the intensive exchange and the constructive input. These suggestions are of great value for the further development of the EWI.”
The Scientific Advisory Board of the EWI was established in 2020 and is composed of high-ranking, internationally recognised members. It meets at least once a year – usually virtually, but this year in person – to further develop the EWI’s research programme.
