IEA ISGAN Working Group 6: Transmission and Distribution Network Systems (Working period 2025-2026)

IEA ISGAN Working Group 6 focuses on Power Transmission and Distribution Systems (T&D), addressing challenges in developing future smart grids. It promotes technology deployment and strategic adoption to enhance the safe and secure supply of electricity. This supports electrification expansion, renewable integration, distributed generation, and customer engagement. During 2025-2026, the project will explore grid-forming inverters and their impact on the power grid and stakeholder interactions.

IEA TCP AFC Annex 33: Stationary Fuel Cells (Working period 2024 - 2027)

The focus of this task is on the secure supply of electricity for service and industrial applications. Analyses of at least three real applications (e.g. applications in healthcare facilities, data centers) show the strengths and weaknesses of stationary fuel cells compared to batteries and diesel generators. Global technological developments are considered in the analyses and target group-specific communication is used to promote the exchange with stakeholders.

IEA HEV Task 41: Electric Freight Vehicles (Working period 2021 - 2022)

So far, the transformation of freight transport remains one of the biggest challenges on the path to zero emission. The Task's main objectives are to monitor progress and review relevant aspects for a successful introduction of electric freight vehicles (EFV) into the market. Austrian pilot projects on EFV are used to exchange barriers and solution approaches in an international context, especially with regard to substitution potential, costs and energy consumption. Together with incentive systems for the market launch of EFV, this will be discussed with logistics companies, the ministry (BMK) and research institutions.

IEA AMF Task 63: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) (Working period 2021 - 2023)

Sustainable aviation fuels can reduce aviation GHG emissions. However, this potential remains largely untapped as such fuels currently account for only 0.1% of total aviation fuel consumption. The aim of the task was to lay the foundation for joint R&D work and facilitate the introduction of sustainable aviation fuels by identifying stakeholders, assessing national situations and sharing information.

IEA AFC Annex 35: Fuel cells für portable applications (Working period 2014 - 2017)

The aim of Annex 35 of Technology Collaboration Programm on Advanced Fuel Cells of the International Energy Agency (IEA) included information exchange on the status and new developments of portable fuel cell systems such as the direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) and the direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) and comprised the development and manufacture of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) all the way through to system components such as electronic converters or gas supply units.

IEA AFC Annex 31: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Task 31 was a research and development oriented Task with the objective to contribute to the identification and development of techniques and materials to reduce the cost and improve the durability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).

IEA UsersTCP: Social License to Automate (working period 2019-2021)

Automation applications for load shifting, also in the homes of end customers, will play an important role in the current transformation process of the energy system. The project “Social License to Automate” examined the question, which aspects are important for the success of these innovations and technologies, and under which circumstances end users are prepared to accept or reject energy-related automation processes.

Webinar: Future weather data and heatwaves

31. May 2022
Online, AT

Well-insulated and air-tight buildings are known to be vulnerable to overheating. An increase in the severity and duration of heatwaves is expected, resulting in more severe overheating risks, affecting on their turn the health and mortality of building users. To achieve more future-proof buildings, it is crucial to design buildings that are "resilient" to overheating in future climate conditions.

International Conference on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)

26. May 2025, 9:00 - 16:00
Austro Engine, Ferdinand-Graf-von-Zeppelin-Straße 1 (Hangar), 2700 Wiener Neustadt

Join Diamond Aircraft / Austro Engine for an exclusive international conference on SAFs! Held in their hangar, this event brings together experts from policy, research, and industry to explore the future of SAFs. Get ready for engaging presentations, insightful discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.

11th International Summer School on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs)

21. - 25. August 2018
TU Graz, Inffeldgasse 25/D, 1st floor, Lecture Room i7, 8010 Graz, AT

The Summer School is organized by Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), Austria, in co-operation with Yokohama National University (YNU), Japan and with internationally recognised experts in the field of fuel cell research. The lectures include fundamental studies and advanced aspects of PEFCs.

IEA DSM Task 24: Behaviour Change in DSM – Helping the Behaviour Changers (Working period 2015-2017)

More than 20% of the use of energy for small consumers can be saved by changed behaviours. Past efforts to tap these potentials through DSM-interventions are not effective. The Task 24 dealt with the most important actors groups as well as tools, which support the behaviour changers in their daily work. In addition, an assessment method for DSM-interventions in the frame of the Austrian law on energy efficiency was elaborated.

IEA-ISGAN Annex 2: Smart Grid Case Studies (Working period 2019 - 2023)

The main objective of this working group of the International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) is to provide all relevant stakeholders with access to detailed information on the current status of smart grid pilot and demonstration projects.

IEA DSM Task 17 - Extension: Integration of Demand Side Management, Distributed Generation, Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storages (working period 2013 - 2016)

The aim was to exchange experiences and developments in the field of integrating renewables with the help of DSM in residential and commercial buildings. Technologies like PV systems, electric vehicles, electric storages, heat pumps, micro-CHP in combination with energy management systems (via gateways), and implementing dynamic tariffs using smart meters offer huge potential to increase energy efficiency. Phase 3 of this Task addressed the current role and potential of flexible buildings and their related implied changes and impacts on the grid and markets. The scalability and applicability of successful projects with respect to specific regional differences and requirements was also explored.

IEA DSM Task 17: Integration of Demand Side Management, Distributed Generation, Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storages

The main objective of the proposed Task is to study how to achieve the optimal integration of distributed generation, energy storages and flexible demand, and thus increase the value of distributed generation and demand response and decrease problems caused by intermittent distributed generation (mainly based on RES) in the physical electricity systems and at the electricity market. The Task deals with distributed energy resources both at local (distribution network and customer) level and at transmission system level where large wind farms are connected.

IEA 4E Annex Electronic Devices and Networks Annex - EDNA (working period 2017 – 2019) Task 3: "Intelligent efficiency". Project: "Basket of products testing"

The "Electronic Devices and Networks Annex “EDNA” has emerged from the background of the global increase of electronic devices and digital solutions, which requires the evaluation of the energy efficiency of these devices. Energy efficiency measures should be developed and improved, and technological and regulatory challenges need to be addressed. The aim of EDNA is to develop policy and strategy recommendations for decision-makers, concerning network connected devices.

IEA IETS Task 22: Climate Resilience and Energy Adaptation in Industry under Uncertainty (working period 2024 - 2026)

The main objective of this task is to promote understanding and progress in digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and related technologies in order to enable climate resilience (extreme weather and events) and energy adaptation (electricity, heating, and sector coupling) in energy-intensive industries. Specifically, the challenges of energy flexibility and demand response will be identified by means of surveys of Austrian stakeholders and the results presented nationally in a workshop format.

IEA 4E EDNA: Electronic Devices and Networks Annex (Working period 2022 - 2024)

By 2030, the number of network-connected electronic devices worldwide is expected to exceed 100 billion, resulting in significant consequences for global energy consumption. The IEA 4E Electronic Devices and Networks Annex - EDNA therefore aims to develop policy recommendations to promote the energy efficiency of network-connected devices, and make those project results available to key stakeholders such as policy makers and product developers in the form of reports, policy briefs and tools.

IEA ISGAN Working Group 6 Transmission and Distribution Network Systems (working period 2023-2024)

IEA ISGAN Working Group 6 addresses the challenges in the overall system of transmission and distribution networks for electricity. The results will improve the understanding of the impact of smart grid technologies on the overall system performance, transmission capacities and operational management of public electricity supply systems. In the project years 2022-2023, international pilot projects on flexibility use and the necessary interaction of transmission and distribution grid operators will be summarised and conclusions drawn.

IEA ISGAN Annex 6: Electricity Transmission and Distribution Systems (working period 2021-2022)

ISGAN Annex 6 deals with the possible system-related challenges in the development of future smart grids. Austria is leading Task 4 Interaction of Transmission and Distribution Networks. The main topic in the work program relates to flexibility topologies within transmission and distribution grids. The results and analyses had been published on the one hand in a discussion paper and in condensed form in a video. Communication and dissemination activities were targeted and conducted to different stakeholder groups.

IEA ISGAN Annex 7: Smart Grid Transitions (Working period 2020-2023)

ISGAN Annex / Working Group 7 explored how Smart Grids can support the energy transition. Focus areas included transition processes, governance, market development, and decentralized actors like prosumers. Results were shared through policy briefs, publications, and workshops. An international Community of Practice connects policymakers from ministries, regulatory agencies, and funding bodies and fosters smarter energy systems.