Testing of new (energy) technologies and (energy) systems with realistic boundary conditions is very relevant for research and development. With demonstration systems it is on the one hand possible to gain insights based on the energy systems themselves but moreover broad demonstration sites that also include users are vital for implementing innovative energy systems. Therefore several initatives have been launched in different countries recently.

In Germany a programme called „Schaufenster intelligente Energie“ was started in 2016. Five model regions with different complementary approaches focusing on regional particularities try to contribute to an overall sustainable energy system that is to be built in the near future.

Almost at the same time Austria started its preparations for the research, technology and innovation initiative „Vorzeigeregion Energie“. After having passed several assets three „Vorzeigeregionen“ started in autumn 2018. The regions deal with different topics: „Green Energy Lab“ trys to boost promising energy technologies, demonstrate them and bring them to the market, „New Energies for Industry“ focuses on energy transition for industry and the third „Vorzeigeregion“ puts its emphasis on power based on hydrogen and synthetic gas. More than 200 partner institutions and companies cooperate within this Austrian research and demonstration initiative. The allocated budget is planned to be more than 400 million euros.

The current issue of „nachhaltige technologien“ gives an overview in regard to the German programme „Schaufenster intelligente Energie“ and allows a deeper insight into the Austrian initiative „Vorzeigeregionen Energie“.