Solar energy: Where ideas become inventions

Fraunhofer ISE was founded in 1981 on the belief that renewable energies, especially solar energy, are indispensable for an economically just and sustainable future. It is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe, and one of the largest such institutions in the world. The institute’s work covers fundamental scientific and energy efficiency research, the development of new technologies and prototype, and the construction of demonstration systems. The company was also a finalist for the 2013 Prize.

In conversation with Khaleej Times, Prof Eicke Weber, Director, Fraunhofer ISE, speaks on the company’s selection as 2014 finalists in the NGO category of the Zayed Future Energy Prize.

The award ceremony for this year will take place on January20, 2014, as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This is the fourth in our six-part sries on the prestigious Zayed Future Energy Prize

What motivates or inspires you to do what you do?

In 2010, the German government decided that Germany’s energy supply should be generated primarily from renewables by 2050. The ‘transformation of our energy system’ (known in German as the ‘Energiewende’) refers to the move towards the age of renewables and energy efficiency. Fraunhofer ISE, by doing applied research, is supporting both the industry and the German government to reach this goal.

One example is Germany’s leading position in the field of high-efficiency silicon solar cells to which Fraunhofer ISE has contributed substantially for more than 30 years. The institute’s R&D ranges from material research through cell and module development to production processes including testing and quality control — always with an aim to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

How do you encourage your employees or staff to think and act in a sustainable manner?

First of all, the personal commitment to a sustainable society cannot be imposed by the employer.

You can never expect personal dedication from employees for something that is not exercised at our institute in our everyday work life. Using recyclable paper, offering e-bikes instead of cars for short business trips, promoting correct heating and ventilation strategies are just a few examples. Even the director of the institute is using e-mobility. Our aim is not only to engage our employees in the measures for environmental protection but also make them involve each other in this process – such collective involvement is a key aspect of our “ISE Spirit”.

Should you take home the prize, what do you plan to do with the fund?

Fraunhofer ISE seeks to develop a holistic model for the electricity and heat sector in a future energy system with a dominant contribution of renewable energies. The Prize fund would be invested in this project in order to create an exemplary tool for the smooth and cost-efficient transition of our current energy system into a sustainable one. Furthermore, the fostering of young academic talent and junior staff members is an important priority where allocations are always needed.

Do you believe that this prize can have or has a key function in acting as a catalyst for the development and adoption of renewable energy and clean technologies and how?

Fraunhofer ISE appreciates the efforts of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Committee to promote the mandate of renewable energy and clean technologies. The Mena region particularly has great potential in the field of renewable energies and the Zayed Future Energy Prize is one medium to draw more attention to this potential.

What, in your opinion, are the three biggest issues facing renewable energy adoption? Human capital? Innovation? Other standpoint?

The predominant issue for the adoption of renewables is political will that is committed to shape a renewable energy future. Secondly, implementation can only be actioned with the help of market incentives and investment in research and development in order to achieve cost-efficiency. Thirdly, education is a key factor and this involves the education of renewable energy experts and the education of the average energy consumer.

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