Atlas of the German Power System – Understanding the Energy Transition
Power, Grid, Flow – An Atlas of Our Electricity World and Its Transformation
The standard reference for anyone who needs to understand the German power system: from power plant to power outlet
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The German power system is a highly complex construct on every level: physics, markets, data and regulation. It’s no surprise that a unifying overall model was missing until now. But how do you explain a system with thousands of actors, four market layers and constant change? We developed the answer together with more than 40 experts from science, law and engineering. The result is an atlas that shows, across nearly 200 pages and more than 80 infographics, how electricity flows, is traded and is regulated.
The Challenge
Atlas of the Energy Transition: The Key to a Complex System
The energy transition is one of the most complex transformation projects of our time. While the German power system is changing radically, there was until now no scientific overall model that mapped all actors and their interactions. Partners from our network confirmed it: no publication had ever depicted all levels at once. That was exactly the gap we wanted to close with our design methods.
Deliverables
What We Delivered
Our breakthrough was the Actor-Layer Model: a four-layer system that, for the first time, maps physics, market, data and regulation simultaneously. Co-creative workshops with more than 20 experts produced physical networks built from craft materials, cards and threads. The result: 'Power, Grid, Flow' – an atlas the size of a world atlas, printed in a genuine Pantone copper metallic, and honoured with the Golden Design Award.
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Actor-Layer Model (ALM)
A detailed system model of Germany's energy industry that maps the realities of physics, market, data and regulation. The first scientifically grounded overview of all actors and how they interact.
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Atlas 'Power, Grid, Flow'
A 200-page hardcover book that combines scientific precision with visual excellence. Contains the complete ALM, 18 zoom-ins, more than 90 infographics and reportage features. Second edition also available in English.
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Workshop Concept
A co-creative methodology for developing complex system models with multidisciplinary expert groups. Transferable to other transformation topics and industries.
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Onboarding Tool for the Energy Industry
A widely praised standard reference for industry newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. Used by energy companies to onboard new employees. Also enables people from outside the field to get started in the energy industry.
