On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology (iwe) at Hof University of Applied Sciences and the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V. invited guests to the 5th Hof Energy Symposium 2024 at the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) on the Hof campus. The organizers were able to welcome around 70 participants this year.
The Hof Energy Symposium is a specialist symposium with an integrated specialist and poster exhibition aimed at experts from the field of energy technology. As part of the event, representatives from the energy sector and energy research presented solutions for a total of 6 key topics. In the “Energy supply and distribution” session, heating and electricity grid operators presented modernization measures for the energy supply of the future. For municipal heat planning, the use of waste heat was presented on the basis of field reports. In addition to improving energy efficiency and the self-sufficiency of districts, the focus was on resource efficiency. Future-relevant topics such as hydrogen applications in industry and the use of renewable energy technology were each given their own session, providing an insight into current developments.
“From 50% renewables in the electricity grid, we no longer need nuclear power plants, we need residual load power plants” – this was the opening statement by Prof. Dr. Tobias Plessing, Director of iwe, at the one-day conference. Angela Bier, second mayor of the city of Hof, welcomed the participants. Sebastian Auer, representative of the competence network, moderated the day.
In their presentations, the speakers addressed topics at the cutting edge of the energy transition: the latest innovations in energy supply and efficiency, refrigeration technology and hydrogen applications, as well as the challenges of municipal heat planning. For the second time, the presentations were supplemented by a scientific poster exhibition in order to focus more on the scientific character of the event in addition to industrial practice. For the first time, there were two winners of the Best Poster Award. The posters by Anton Sack and Robin Fick, both from iwe, received the same number of votes and shared first place and thus the Best Poster Award. Presenter Sebastian Auer presented the winners with the award in the form of a sustainable wooden trophy on the evening of the event.
In the exhibition, six companies from the energy sector presented their latest innovations, from modular storage systems made of composite materials to intelligent automation technology.
The organizers would like to thank all participants and speakers for the lively discussions and the many talks on possible joint future projects. With a view to the year 2025, interested parties should already make a note of the date for the next event: 6th Hof Energy Symposium: November 12, 2025.
Impressions from the 5th Hof Energy Symposium 2024
About the Competence Network Water and Energy e.V.
The aim of the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V. (Water and Energy Competence Network) is to pool the abundant expertise available in the region in the fields of water and energy, to network companies and to further expand the competence region. The network currently consists of over 40 members from companies, local authorities, schools, universities and other relevant organizations and regional players. The aim is still to implement joint innovation projects, develop tailor-made system solutions, promote the exchange of technical experience and initiate measures to secure young talent at all qualification levels. Today, the competence network is an indispensable component of the water and energy competence of Upper Franconia. The areas of water and energy – and, inextricably linked to this, the environment – give the region a sharper profile and a unique selling point. In order to further expand the success of the water, energy and environmental sector in the region, the innovative strength of the companies and the regional research and development performance must be strengthened, young talent and skilled workers must be recruited in a targeted manner and effective image work must be carried out both internally and externally. This is achieved through general networking, the organization and implementation of our own specialist events, as well as participation in relevant third-party events.
About the Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology (iwe) at Hof University of Applied Sciences
At the iwe, research and development projects in the core areas of hydrogen and energy technology are taken up and implemented in an application-oriented manner, always in efficient dialog with partners from science and industry. The main focus is on energy efficiency in industry, solutions for renewable energy generation and its distribution as well as hydrogen production processes.
You are welcome to contact us for research ideas, inquiries and services. To the contact details of the iwe.
