Almost inspire children for renewable energies: TUM opens new laboratory!

Die TUM entwickelt ein Labor für nachhaltige Energiesysteme, um Jugendliche für erneuerbare Energien zu begeistern.
The TUM is developing a laboratory for sustainable energy systems to inspire young people for renewable energies. (Symbolbild/NAGW)

Almost inspire children for renewable energies: TUM opens new laboratory!

A research group at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed an innovative laboratory for sustainable energy systems that opened on May 7, 2025. In this laboratory, children and adolescents have the unique opportunity to observe the energy consumption of household appliances in real time. The main goal of this initiative is to inspire young people for renewable energies and the energy transition, says Prof. Thomas Hamacher, who points to the global challenge to create a sustainable world. Schoolchildren will experience practical applications of technologies here that address energy efficiency and energy saving.

The laboratory not only has the purpose of conveying knowledge, but also technology and sustainable energy systems. The target group is primarily children and adolescents to sensitize them to the subject of technology and the need for the energy transition.

renewable energies in focus

The importance of renewable energies is becoming increasingly clear in view of the increasing environmental changes and anthropogenic climate change. According to , these challenges require a rethinking of conventional energy systems. Renewable energy sources such as sunlight, wind, water, biomass and geothermal heat offer potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize the dependence on fossil fuels. In particular, the efficiency and economy of these technologies are intensively discussed in the scientific community.

Efficiency of renewable energy sources is a central topic in numerous studies. Analyzes show that modern photovoltaic systems can achieve efficiency of over 20% in sunny areas, while wind turbines achieve efficiency values ​​of 50% in optimal conditions. With 70-90%, hydropower even has the highest efficiency of all renewable energy sources, but contains challenges in relation to ecological and social effects due to large dams.

technological progress and future challenges

technological progress is crucial for the further integration of renewable energies into existing systems. das-wissen.de emphasizes that innovative developments in solar cell technology, such as the use of perowskites, promise higher efficiency at the same time. There is also progress in the area of ​​wind energy through improved turbine designs and offshore technologies.

A central element for the efficiency and availability of renewable energies is the integration of storage options and intelligent power nets (Smart Grids). These new technologies are necessary to compensate for the variability of energy generation and ensure network stability. Challenging and distribution, especially in wind and solar energy, require continuous research and development.

The future of renewable energy sources looks promising, with technological progress and cost reductions to be expected. Nevertheless, the need for regulatory adjustments and investments in the infrastructure and the sensitization of the population remains into account. Advances in research and the strengthening of the cooperation between private sector, state institutions and science are essential to further promote the integration of renewable energies.

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OrtMünchen, Deutschland
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