Energy Infrastructures
As demand for low-carbon, high efficiency energy production grows, initial applications of digitalisation to systems are clearly demonstrating how it can beneficially reshape energy production, management, and security.
Across Lower Saxony and Scotland, digital control technologies, data-driven grid management, and interconnected energy infrastructures are now established critical components of reliable and resilient energy supply. However, any increasing dependence on digital systems will unavoidably be accompanied by increasing challenges including cybersecurity, system resilience, interoperability, and the governance of critical digital infrastructure. Such challenges can be ameliorated for Lower Saxony and Scotland by cooperation, and through comparing findings and experiences shared strategic priorities can be identified, offering opportunity for mutual learning on how to improve, protect and future-proof future digitalised energy systems.
Scotland is one of the most important partners for science in Lower Saxony.
As the coordinator of this cooperation in research, mobility, and knowledge
transfer, ECAS plays an important role. By developing it into the central hub of Lower Saxony-Scottish scientific cooperation, we are creating a strong,
future-oriented platform for knowledge exchange and innovation across
national borders. In doing so, we are not only strengthening Lower Saxony’s
visibility in the international scientific landscape, but also promoting joint
solutions to the major challenges of our time.
Falko Mohrs, Lower Saxonian Minister for Science and Culture
By strengthening scientific ties and fostering academic exchange, this new partnership will enable researchers in both our countries to thrive for the
benefit of all.
Anne H. Anderson, Vice President for Research, Royal Society of Edinburgh
Online Market Place on Energy Infrastructures
What is it?
The Market Place is a matchmaking event for academic researchers from Lower Saxony and Scotland with focus on two principal areas:
- Offshore Wind, Hydrogen/Ammonia, and Digitalization and
- Geothermal Energy, Heat, and Social Dynamics
The aim is to spark strong, future-oriented partnerships that collaborate to establish strong positions for future third-party funding.
How does it work?
- Short Pitches: Researchers can attract potential partners by presenting their topic ideas over 1–2 minute pitches.
- Interactive Breakout Discussions: Following the pitches, presenters shall occupy individual breakout rooms where visitors may join to engage in more detailed discussions and explore potential collaborations.
Why does it matter?
This event is part of the broader Flagship Initiative “Lower Saxony – Scotland Strategic Energy Partnership” designed to support joint work on the energy transition. Building on Scotland’s experience in digitalised energy system operation and Lower Saxony’s role as a hub for energy infrastructure and industrial energy use, the Market Place provides an initial valuable platform for targeted academic exchange on critical digital energy infrastructure.
Key Benefits
- Explore Regional Research: Gain a clear overview of existing energy infrastructure-related work in both regions.
- Discover Collaboration Opportunities: Identify promising areas for joint research and project development.
- Pitch Your Ideas: Showcase your research concepts and generate interest for bi- and multilateral projects.
- Build Your Network: Meet colleagues, exchange insights, and form strong academic partnerships.
Funding & Networking Opportunity
Participants of the Online Market Place on Energy Infrastructures are encouraged to explore targeted funding and networking opportunities to advance emerging collaborations between Lower Saxony and Scotland. The Market Place supports the formation of research tandems and facilitates the development of joint project ideas towards concrete funding applications.
The Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme offers structured support for collaborations at different stages:
Stream I – Development Track (RSE)
- Seed funding for new collaborations (e.g. workshops, networking)
- Up to £8,000 | 12 months
- Lead: Scottish PI
- Next call expected: Q3 2026
Stream II – Excellence Track (Volkswagen Foundation)
- Support for preparing major funding proposals (e.g. Horizon Europe, DFG–EPSRC)
- Up to €100,000 | 2 years
- Lead: Lower Saxony PI
- Current call: until 30 April 2026
- Next call: Q1 2027
The Lower Saxony – Scotland Joint Forum (19–20 December 2026, Technische Universität Braunschweig) provides a dedicated platform to deepen collaborations. It brings together researchers, administrative staff, and strategic stakeholders from both regions and different disciplines to exchange ideas, initiate joint projects, and further develop proposals for collaborative funding. Participants may also co-organise thematic workshops as part of the Joint Forum. An Open Call for Workshop Proposals will be published shortly.
Research Themes & Format
Participants can engage in two focused sessions based on the following topics, using a World-Café-style format for dynamic, small-group discussions:
1. Offshore Wind, Hydrogen/Ammonia, and Digitalization
This may include, for example:
- Technical reliability and resilience of energy assets (e.g. power plants, grids, pipelines, storage facilities),
- Growing role of digital and cyber-physical systems (such as SCADA systems, digital substations, energy management platforms),
- Electrolysis technologies and scaling
- Integration of distributed energy resources
2. Geothermal Energy, Heat, and Social Dynamics
This may include, for example:
- Subsurface characterisation, modelling, and uncertainty analysis
- Heat supply systems, industrial clusters, hydrogen networks, and CO2 transport
- Community engagement, co-creation, and energy citizenship
- Interdisciplinary, socio-technical research approaches
Presenter or Visitor?
- As a presenter, you’ll share your idea during the plenary pitch session and guide follow-up discussions.
- As a visitor, you can choose which pitches to attend and offer feedback and insights.
When?
Session I I Offshore Wind, Hydrogen/Ammonia, and Digitalization
Thursday, 1 October 2026
1 – 4 pm BST / 14:00 – 17:00 pm CEST
Session II I Geothermal Energy, Heat, and Social Dynamics
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
1 – 4 pm BST / 14:00 – 17:00 pm CEST
Registration
Leading Institutions
The event is co-organised by the following partners:
Energy Research Centre Lower Saxony (efzn)
Under the umbrella of the efzn scientists from natural, technical, economic, social and legal sciences come together to conduct research on energy transition in Lower Saxony. The efzn is a networking and communication platform enabling interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research as well as research transfer into the economy, politics, and civil society.
Scottish Partnership in Energy and Engineering Research & Innovation (SPEERI)
SPEERI is the strategic integration of two of Scotland’s long-established collaborative Partnerships, the Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), and the Scottish Research Partnership in Engineering (SRPe), and comprises 14 Scottish Universities working collaboratively with industry, public sector and government to maximise impact in energy and engineering research and innovation. Through a focused approach, SPEERI raises the profile of Scottish energy and engineering research, adding value for SPEERI’s Scottish University Partners and bringing the benefits of innovation to external stakeholders in industry, public sector and wider society.
European Centre for Advanced Studies (ECAS)
ECAS supports academic exchange as well as internationalisation between Lower Saxonian and Scottish higher education institutions. By offering a platform for knowledge exchange and international partnerships, ECAS has an important function as network provider and broker to foster collaboration between the two academic regions. ECAS connects scholars, institutions, and industry to address global challenges through innovative research, knowledge transfer as well as learning and teaching. It specifically supports Flagship Initiatives such as the Strategic Energy Partnership, of which the sub-topic of Energy Infrastructures is part, driving transformative projects that shape the future of academia.