What happens when politics, science, business, and network operators sit down together? That's right: things get exciting.
And that was precisely the case at the workshop discussion "Focus on the Distribution Grid" on June 2, 2025, at TechBase Regensburg – with a view, insight, and plenty of energy. In an exclusive roundtable discussion, around 30 participants talked with our four guests about how we can finally get the energy transition in the distribution grid into the fast lane. And they did so with a clear view of practical applications – and of Regensburg's rooftops.
The high-tension round:
- Matthias Löhlein, Head of Strategy at the Bayernwerk Group, shared the perspective of network operators: "The financial viability of network expansion is a real sticking point—especially for smaller distribution network operators." His plea: a toolbox for an affordable, secure, and clean energy transition.
- Martin Stümpfig, spokesperson for energy and climate protection for the Green Party in the Bavarian state parliament, explained his master plan for Bavaria's power grids – and emphasized: "We hear the same thing over and over again from project developers: the grids are the problem."
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Oliver Brückl from OTH Regensburg took a scientifically sound look into the future: "Pricing and taxes can be used to control many things—but we need clear framework conditions."
- Klaus Nagl, CEO of Consolinno, demonstrated how smart systems can already help today: "If home storage systems are full at 10 a.m., something is wrong. With intelligent control, we can relieve the burden on grids—and leverage the enormous potential in single-family homes."
Low-hanging fruit and green energy storage
Moderator Simon Köppl asked about the "low-hanging fruit" and received clear answers: use home storage more intelligently, make flexibility visible, and remove regulatory hurdles.
Matthias Löhlein summed it up for large battery storage: "We need to distinguish between grid-damaging driving and grid-friendly use, preferably with genuine green electricity – and the appropriate regulation to go with it."
And in ten years? Where will we be with the energy transition and distribution networks?
The visions were ambitious—and encouragingly concrete:
- Martin Stümpfig sees a boom in the energy transition and electrification through electric vehicles. Intelligent control systems make cheaper and more climate-friendly electricity possible for everyone.
- Prof. Oliver Brückl is counting on market signals to develop for an efficient and cost-optimized energy transition.
- Klaus Nagl is a strong advocate of a decentralized, digital energy transition that takes all aspects of cyber security into account and enables a resilient energy infrastructure.
- Matthias Löhlein believes in Germany's technical expertise in finding solutions – and that we will be the third strongest economy in 2035 because we have mastered the complexity of the energy transition.
Conclusion: Workshop discussion with impact
There was discussion, laughter, networking—and above all, forward thinking.
The energy transition in the distribution grid is not a sure-fire success. But with bright minds, clear words, and concrete ideas, we are making progress step by step.
Thank you to our guests—and to everyone who eagerly followed the event.