This Innovation Talk with the title “New Approaches to Address the ‘Duck-Curve’ Issue Beyond Hydrogen” was held by Dr. Elias Frei, Head of Hydrogen Technologies at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg.

The focus of this talk was on addressing the challenges posed by the “duck curve”—the significant mismatch between solar energy production and energy demand throughout the day. While hydrogen technologies remain a central theme, the presentation explored a broader spectrum of innovative solutions beyond conventional storage. These included advanced system approaches and emerging technologies aimed at enhancing grid stability, enabling effective load shifting, and strengthening the resilience of the energy system.

Dr. Frei drew on his extensive background in research and leadership roles at BASF SE, offering a unique perspective on sector-coupling strategies and the integration of renewable energy sources. He highlighted how interdisciplinary innovations can facilitate the smooth incorporation of renewables into the grid and play a vital role in shaping a sustainable hydrogen economy.