17. December 2025

AI in the energy economics

The Upper Lusatian Energy Symposium and the Zittau Energy Seminar focused on the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the energy economics sector.

In the civic hall of the Zittau City Hall, a group of people is standing side by side, smiling at the camera.
Photo: Tom Richter Oberlausitzer Energiesymposium & Zittauer Energieseminar 2025 on the topic of "AI in the energy economics - opportunities and challenges"

On November 25 and 26, 2025, approximately 60 participants exchanged experiences on the topic of AI in energy economics as part of the Upper Lusatia Energy Symposium and the Zittau Energy Seminar, held in the impressive historic setting of the Citizens’ Hall at Zittau City Hall. In 15 presentations, artificial intelligence algorithms were introduced, their diverse areas of application (opportunities) were highlighted, and the current limitations—such as the reliability of AI predictions and potential concerns regarding their use (challenges)—were discussed.

The focus was not only on topics related to energy economics—such as the optimization of energy infrastructure and distribution networks, as well as the reduction of pollutant emissions—but also on a wide range of other potential applications, including image recognition and building renovation.

Speakers stand in front of the audience before a presentation in Zittau's Bürgersaal and give opening speeches.
A professor addresses the audience.
Mayor Zenker addresses the audience.
The Rector delivers his digital greeting to the audience via a screen.
A participant stands in front of a roll-up and addresses words to the audience.
A participant stands in front of a digital screen and addresses words to the audience.
Participants sit in the audience and look ahead to the speakers.
Professor Kästner stands next to a lecturer.
A participant wearing an orange scarf sits in the square and speaks into a microphone.
Prof. Haim stands at his seat and speaks into a microphone.
A participant stands in front of a roll-up and speaks into a microphone.
Prof. Schütte sits next to Prof. Kästner and speaks into a microphone.
A participant sits in the audience and speaks into a microphone.
Prof. Schütte stands in front of the audience next to a participant and speaks into a microphone.
A participant gives a lecture facing the audience.
A participant gives a lecture. He is standing between an HSZG flag and a colorful roll-up.
The audience looks ahead to the speakers.
A participant gives a presentation and points to the screen with digital presentation.
Two guests are talking.
Two guests are talking.
Two guests are talking.
Upper Lusatian Energy Symposium and Zittau Energy Seminar

The Upper Lusatia Energy Symposium addresses the challenges associated with structural change in the region and, held every two years, focuses on current issues. It provides a platform for interdisciplinary exchange among the region’s innovators and for strengthening collaboration.

The Zittau Energy Seminar is an independent knowledge platform for energy suppliers, industrial companies, commercial, retail, and service enterprises, as well as decision-makers from municipalities, government agencies, and public institutions. Free from commercial interests, this practice-oriented seminar helps advance the transformation of the energy supply system while balancing economic viability, environmental sustainability, and security of supply.

Objectives

Energy economics faces major challenges: climate change, rising demand for renewable energy, and ensuring an efficient and stable energy supply. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) offers enormous opportunities to shape this transformation. AI can optimize complex energy systems, automate processes, and increase efficiency—from energy generation through transmission to distribution. At this event, experts from industry, academia, and politics will discuss current developments in AI within energy economics.

Key Topics

  • Economic Aspects
    • Value-added sectors
    • hybrid energy generation, grid operation, trading, energy management
  • Technical aspects
    • Methods, Algorithms
    • Data acquisition, data processing
    • Software solutions
    • Security of AI solutions (critical infrastructure)
  • Societal, Social, and Ethical Aspects
    • Values, Principles, Responsibility
    • Requirements for Teaching and Research
  • International Aspects
    • National and International AI Strategies
Photo: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Kästner
Ihre Ansprechperson
Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Wolfgang Kästner
w.kaestner(at)hszg.de
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science'
02763 Zittau
16 Th.-Körner-Allee
Building Z I, Room 1.30
1st floor
+49 3583 612-3580