Energy is a key research focus area for many institutions, driving innovations that are critical in the current global environment of climate change and sustainable energy transition.

The University of Oldenburg (UOL) and OFFIS tackle topics surrounding energy informatics and the digitalization of energy systems. South Africa’s Nelson Mandela University (NMU) pursues research on photovoltaic systems, such as material composition and system optimization.

There is substantial opportunity for these institutions to learn from each other’s expertise and support each other’s work in the pursuit of developing cleaner, smarter energy systems for Germany and South Africa. The Energy Informatics Exchange project aims to bring together students and researchers from the Digitalized Energy Systems group of UOL, the Energy division of OFFIS, and the Photovoltaics Research Group of NMU, to further explore these opportunities.

A first stage of the project will be carried out in early 2026, with the goal of establishing connections and laying the groundwork for future collaborations between these institutions. In-person discussions between representatives from UOL and NMU will be held in Gqeberha, South Africa for the purpose of exchanging information about current research interests, identifying concrete themes for joint research efforts, and investigating project partnership possibilities.

A second stage of the project in 2027 will take the form of a workshop that will connect more members of the energy research communities at all involved institutions. This workshop will summarize the outcomes of discussions throughout 2026 and provide a forum for knowledge transfer and networking among interested energy system researchers.