Digitalised Energy Systems

Overview The programme tackles the urgent technological and societal challenge of decarbonising energy systems by focusing on their digital transformation. It addresses how to integrate large numbers of variable generators, consumers, storage units and grid components into a technically stable, economically viable and secure whole. Because modern energy systems are critical infrastructure, the programme also emphasises resilience: failures or attacks can have major, long-lasting consequences for society, so dependable design and operation are central themes.

Curriculum and learning focus Students build core competences in designing and engineering cyber‑physical energy systems through a compulsory core curriculum, then deepen expertise via thematic specialisations. Teaching deliberately covers multiple domain perspectives so graduates gain broad application knowledge beyond any single type of energy system. Societal and socio-technical aspects are included as cross‑cutting topics. Course subjects include (but are not limited to) smart grids, renewable energy, (distributed) artificial intelligence, co‑simulation, experimental design and assessment, control theory, critical engineering, energy markets, requirements engineering, modelling and control, and cyber‑resilience.

Practical experience and career paths A cross‑group research project lets students apply and test their skills in practice, focusing on component-level control, communication, and the use of agent-based approaches for optimisation in energy systems. Graduates are prepared both for research roles at universities or research institutions—working on missing elements of energy digitalisation—and for a wide range of positions in the energy industry, thanks to the programme’s practical orientation and technical breadth.

Key facts and application pointers

• Degree awarded: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Teaching language: English
• Academic field: Electrical Engineering / Digitalised energy systems
• Programme structure: compulsory core competences, thematic specialisations, cross‑group research project
• Topics covered: smart grids, renewable energy, distributed AI, co‑simulation, experimental design, control theory, critical engineering, energy markets, requirements engineering, modelling and control, cyber‑resilience, etc.
• The original description did not list formal admission or application requirements; consult the programme’s official webpage or admissions office for specific entry criteria, language proficiency requirements, application deadlines and required documents.

This master's curriculum trains engineers to design, operate and evaluate modern energy systems where power engineering and information technology are tightly integrated. The programme balances foundational theory with applied, interdisciplinary practice so you can develop the “system intelligence” needed in digitalised grids and energy infrastructures. Teaching draws on electrical engineering, automation, computer science and energy informatics to give you both the hardware and software perspectives on cyber-physical energy systems.

A major portion of the programme (54 CP) is dedicated to Fundamental Competencies. This block is split into Automation and Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science and Energy Informatics, reflecting the need to combine practical electrical/automation skills with programming, data and systems knowledge. Courses are closely interlinked so you learn to apply computer-science methods (e.g., algorithms, data handling, software tools) together with electrical engineering and control techniques from the outset.

The Foundations of Digitalised Energy Systems (36 CP) focuses on the specific engineering challenges of digitised energy networks. It is organised into Digitalised Energy System Automation, Control and Optimisation and Digitalised Energy System Design and Assessment, covering control strategies, optimisation methods and evaluation techniques for different technical system classes. A third strand, Innovation Topics and Smart Grids, exposes you to current application perspectives and research directions. The programme concludes with a 30 CP master’s thesis that integrates theory and practice in an independent research or development project.

Key curriculum details and outcomes

• Fundamental Competencies: 54 CP total, covering Automation & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science & Energy Informatics.
• Foundations of Digitalised Energy Systems: 36 CP, divided into Automation, Control & Optimisation; Design & Assessment; plus Innovation Topics and Smart Grids.
• Master’s thesis: 30 CP, an independent project demonstrating ability to investigate, design or implement solutions for digitalised energy systems.
• Learning outcomes include: ability to develop and analyse system intelligence for energy systems; integrate software and hardware approaches for cyber-physical systems; apply control, optimisation and assessment methods to digitised grids; and engage with current research and innovation in smart grids and energy informatics.

Graduates are prepared for research careers at universities and research institutes, contributing to the missing elements of a successful digitalisation in the energy domain. The programme equips students to design and evaluate novel digital solutions that support the energy transition.

In industry, alumni can expect to take up diverse technical roles within the energy sector—such as positions related to system design, control and automation, energy informatics, smart-grid integration and cyber-resilience—working for utilities, grid operators, technology providers, consultancies or research-driven companies.