Energy and Critical
Supply Infrastructures

Frauenhofer IKTS

Resilient Energy and Supply Systems

A reliable and resilient energy supply is of central importance in disaster response, military operational environments and the regular energy system. Mobile, robust and low-maintenance energy systems – for example those based on fuel cells, battery-hybrid solutions or multi-fuel power generators – ensure the operational readiness of communication systems, medical facilities and water treatment systems. Fraunhofer IKTS is active in the following key areas:

Autonomous Energy Systems for Military, Civil Protection and Disaster Response
Our developments support integrated security in the energy supply of military units and civilian security infrastructures, as well as in disaster response and crisis management.

Sensor and Monitoring Systems for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures
We integrate monitoring and remote-control systems and develop ceramic-based and multi-material solutions for robust microelectronic and sensor systems that function reliably even under extreme conditions. In this way, we strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructures and create the foundations for innovative security applications.

Workshops, Showcases and Technology Demonstrations
Within the field of expertise of Energy and Critical Supply Infrastructures, Fraunhofer IKTS organises practice-oriented events and workshops on energy, water, microelectronics and materials technologies together with numerous regional and supra-regional partners – for regional, national and European initiatives alike. In doing so, we work closely with stakeholders from the military, civil protection and disaster response sectors. Smaller formats enable direct exchange, the presentation of innovative technologies and the development of concrete solutions. Larger formats are specifically designed to promote networking and cooperation in order to successfully initiate joint funded projects.

 

Fuel Cells, Electrolysis and Power-to-X

Fuel cells and electrolysers form the basis of multi-fuel energy supply systems. Solutions are developed from the material level through to complete systems for decentralised energy supply (off-grid systems, island grids, etc.), alternative fuels (Power-to-X, SAF, etc.) and mobile systems.

Energy Storage Systems for Mobile and Stationary Applications

The demand for high-performance energy storage systems in both mobile and stationary applications is continuously increasing due to growing system complexity. Materials, components and systems based on lithium, sodium and other post-lithium technologies enable tailored solutions for vehicles, UAVs, weapon systems and field camp technology.

Sensors and Monitoring Systems for Critical Infrastructures

Critical infrastructures such as bridges, utility corridors, transport routes and subsea cables are increasingly becoming a focus area in order to ensure full operational capability in both military and civilian contexts. Wear, gradual damage, as well as deliberate tampering or attacks can be detected at an early stage using innovative acoustic and optical technologies. Integrated security sensors prevent tampering and provide real-time data on loads, temperature and disruptions.

“We need a secure supply of energy and raw materials for our country. […] The Federal Government will […] place greater emphasis on the potential of the circular economy and resource efficiency wherever this contributes to the diversification of our raw material and energy supply and reduces one-sided dependencies.”

Excerpt from the National Security Strategy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Federal Ministry of Defence, 2023

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Upcoming Events

2026

HZwo Workshop. Resilience and Autonomy: New Challenges for Energy Systems.

The HZwo workshop examines the requirements for these technologies in the fields of defence, civil protection and disaster management, and provides a forum for professional exchange with end-users, industry and the research community. The focus is on mobile applications for UAVs, maritime systems and stationary supply systems.

Venue: Fraunhofer IKTS, Winterbergstraße 28, 01277 Dresden

Workshop: Sensors and Avionics: How Data Is Turned into Safe Systems, in collaboration with MISI

Sensors & Avionics as key elements of the security and defence industry.

Venue: Fraunhofer IKTS, Winterbergstraße 28, 01277 Dresden

Security Innovation Day. Reliability in the security and defence industries: from materials and the supply chain to operational deployment

Security Innovation Day examines how technological innovations can be rapidly, reliably and confidently transferred to military applications, as well as to civil protection and disaster management, in a highly dynamic environment characterised by growing security challenges

Venue: Fraunhofer IKTS, Winterbergstraße 28, 01277 Dresden

CapTech Components and Materials

The CapTech technology group ‘CapTech Technologies for Components and Modules’ (TCM) promotes and supports collaborative projects and activities in the field of component and module technologies, which are essential building blocks for many defence applications and thus contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Venue: Fraunhofer IKTS, Winterbergstraße 28, 01277 Dresden

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