Energy as a strategic factor in industry
The trade fair clearly demonstrated that energy is no longer merely a cost factor, but has become a strategic management tool for businesses. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular face the challenge of accurately tracking their energy consumption, managing it flexibly and, at the same time, reducing their CO₂ emissions.
This is where EILE comes in: the process model developed by fortiss in collaboration with partners supports companies in establishing a structured energy management system – from the initial data collection to the implementation of concrete optimisation measures. The practical approach met with great interest among trade fair visitors, as it enables direct transferability to industrial applications.
“Many companies know they need to take action, but often lack a clear starting point. This is precisely where EILE comes in, creating a structured foundation for implementation within the organisation,” explains Dr Wolfgang Köhler, Head of fortiss Mittelstand (SMEs) and responsible for transfer activities.
Live insights into data-driven energy management
At the exhibition stand, visitors were able to experience key components of the project first-hand. Among other things, the stand showcased the measurement kit and simulation models for developing energy supply concepts, as well as software modules based on the open-source energy management system OpenEMS.
The focus was particularly on practical use cases: How can load profiles in production be presented transparently? What flexibility exists in existing processes? And how can data-driven forecasts help to use energy more efficiently?
The demonstrations made it clear that data-driven energy management is not just theoretical, but can already be implemented in practice today. “With EILE, we are showing how energy data can be turned into concrete courses of action – from analysis to optimised control,” emphasises Dr Markus Duchon, Head of the Architectures and Services for Critical Infrastructures competence area and Project Manager of EILE.
A bridge between research and industrial practice
A key focus of EILE is the transfer of scientific findings into industrial applications. This was particularly evident at the trade fair: the solutions presented are based on the latest methods from the fields of energy modelling, AI and life-cycle assessment, but are deliberately designed so that they can be implemented by companies without extensive prior knowledge.
The practical handbook developed, along with supplementary training and information resources, further supports this transfer. They offer companies structured, step-by-step guidance – from the development of a measurement concept and the identification of relevant energy indicators through to the integration of an energy management system into existing processes.
Focus on professional exchange
A highlight of the exhibition was the technical presentation given by Dr Markus Duchon on 23 April. In his talk, he presented the project and specific real-world application examples, and discussed the role of data-driven methods in energy management.
In addition, the stand offered numerous opportunities for direct discussion with experts. Representatives from industry, consultancy and research took the opportunity to discuss specific questions and explore concrete application scenarios. Solutions for meeting regulatory requirements and approaches to increasing operational resilience were particularly in demand.
EILE in the context of industrial transformation
The themes of HANNOVER MESSE 2026 have made it clear that the future of industry will be shaped to a significant extent by the intelligent use of data. AI, digital platforms and networked systems form the basis for new business models and more efficient processes.
EILE fits seamlessly into this development: the project demonstrates how data-based technologies can be used in the field of energy management to achieve both environmental and economic goals. In particular, the combination of transparency, forecasting capabilities and flexibility analysis opens up new scope for action for companies.
This is of central importance to the German economy. In view of volatile energy markets and increasing demands for sustainability, the ability to use energy efficiently and flexibly is becoming a decisive competitive factor. Projects such as EILE make an important contribution here by providing concrete, implementable solutions.
Positive feedback and outlook
The response to fortiss’s trade fair presentation and the EILE project was overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors particularly highlighted the practical approach and the flexibility of the solutions developed. Making key components available as open source enables companies to adapt the results flexibly to their own requirements and to develop them further.
Following the successful completion of the project at the end of 2024, the focus is now on the further dissemination and practical implementation of the approaches developed. A follow-up project with a project partner is currently being prepared, and the first companies have already begun to introduce corresponding energy management systems.
HANNOVER MESSE 2026 has once again demonstrated that the transformation towards a sustainable and digitalised industry is in full swing. With projects such as EILE, fortiss is helping to actively shape this change and support companies on their journey towards an energy-efficient future.
