From smart to sustainable: this is what the energy industry will look like in the near future

A secure and sustainable energy future is only possible with new technologies, smart infrastructure and efficient use of resources. But what will the energy supply of the future look like? What role will solar energy, wind power and cable infrastructure play? In this article, we take a look at the most important developments – from intelligent grid control to sustainable cable systems.

Solar energy has long evolved from a niche solution into a cornerstone of the energy transition. New technologies are making photovoltaics more efficient, flexible, and economical—not just on rooftops but also on farmland, building facades, and even floating on lakes.

The most important innovations in photovoltaics

Technology	Description	Advantage
Tandem solar cells	Combination of silicon and perovskite for higher efficiency	Up to 30% more power output
Agri-PV	Solar panels above agricultural land	Dual land use for energy and crops
Bifacial modules	Capture light from both sides	10–20% higher yield through reflection

However, the biggest challenge remains grid integration: Solar energy is primarily generated during the day, but our electricity demand peaks in the morning and evening. The solution? Smart storage technologies and intelligent grid management that make solar power available exactly when it’s needed.

Wind power is, alongside solar energy, the most important pillar of renewable energy. While offshore wind farms at sea generate massive amounts of electricity, onshore wind turbines remain the backbone of sustainable energy supply.

The latest developments in wind power

• Larger rotor blades – The bigger the surface area, the more energy a turbine can extract from the wind. New materials and designs allow rotor blades to grow even larger without becoming unstable.
• Taller towers – The higher a wind turbine, the more consistent the wind speed. Modern towers now reach heights of over 200 meters.
• Intelligent control – Artificial intelligence optimizes rotor alignment and adjusts output based on weather conditions.

A crucial factor for the success of wind power remains grid connection. Without a powerful cable infrastructure, even the best wind turbine is useless.

The energy transition requires more than just clean power generation—it needs a grid smart enough to efficiently distribute the fluctuating electricity from renewable sources. 💡 What makes an energy grid smart?
✔ Digital metering systems – Smart meters monitor consumption and optimize grid load.
✔ Automated grid management – AI-driven systems balance supply and demand.
✔ Flexibility markets – Consumers can feed in or use electricity exactly when it makes the most sense. Without these technologies, our power grids would struggle to handle the highly variable production from wind and solar farms. Smart grids are not just an addition—they are essential for a sustainable energy future.

The energy transition requires massive investments in infrastructure. Renewable energy sources are often located far from consumption centers, making high-performance cable connections essential.

Three key pillars of sustainable energy infrastructure:

1. High-performance cables for renewable energy

• Modern cable technologies minimize energy losses over long distances.
• Innovative insulation materials increase lifespan and durability.

2. Grid connections for wind and solar farms

• Decentralized energy feed-in requires flexible grid connections.
• New concepts like “supergrids” enable more efficient regional connections.

3. Recycling and circular economy in cable technology

• Old cables contain valuable raw materials like copper and aluminum.
• Modern recycling methods allow for up to 95% material recovery.

A sustainable grid expansion isn’t just about creating new connections—it’s about making the most of existing resources.

Without high-performance cables, neither wind farms nor solar plants could be connected to the grid. Choosing the right cables is therefore crucial.

Comparison: High-voltage vs. Medium-voltage cables

Cable type	Voltage level	Application	Advantages
Medium-voltage cables (e.g., NA2XS(F)2Y)	10 – 36 kV	Grid connection for wind and solar farms	Flexible, cost-effective
High-voltage cables (e.g., NA2XS(F)2Y 110 kV)	110 – 380 kV	Long-distance power transmission	Low losses, high capacity

But what exactly sets high-voltage cables apart from low-voltage cables? This article on the differences between high- and low-voltage cables explains it all—from insulation materials to power transmission characteristics and installation requirements. 🔧 The future of cable technology:

• Superconducting cables enable nearly loss-free power transmission.
• Recyclable materials reduce environmental impact.
• AI-powered monitoring systems detect damage early, extending cable lifespan.

One thing is clear: Cables are more than just connections—they are the backbone of a sustainable energy supply.

The energy industry of the future is smart, sustainable, and interconnected. But to make this transformation a reality, investments in infrastructure, new technologies, and recycling are essential.

• Solar energy and wind power are the main pillars of the energy transition.
• Smart grids ensure that renewable energy is used efficiently.
• High-performance cable systems are the invisible heroes of the transformation.

Now it’s up to politics, business, and society to actively shape this future. Because the energy transition isn’t happening someday—it’s happening now. 🚀