Invitation „FEIN e.V. Colloquium: Building the Future Grid - From Offshore Integration to Digital Innovation “
For Members and Guests of FEIN e.V. – Cost-free, registration not required
-
Monday 7th July (15:00 - 17:00 CEST)
- Room 00.23, E. ON Energy Research Center
- Mathieustraße 10, 52074 Aachen
Moderator:
Prof. Antonello Monti, ACS, Fraunhofer FIT & FEIN
Presenters and Panelists:
Dr. Alexander Helmedag, Amprion GmbH
Dr. Michael Diekerhof, E.ON One GmbH
In the first part of the event, the speakers present their topics. Afterwards, Prof. Monti moderates a discussion with the speakers, who will be answering questions of the audience. The event is in English.
Talk 1: To grid or not to grid: Integrating Offshore Wind Energy - a TSOs Perspective
This talk offers a practical look at the challenges of integrating offshore wind energy from the perspective of a Transmission System Operator (TSO). Drawing on years of experience, Alexander Helmedag will share insights and lessons learned in the planning, implementation, and operation of offshore grid connection systems—highlighting key technical, regulatory, and strategic considerations shaping the future of offshore integration.
About the speaker, Dr.-Ing. Alexander Helmedag
He started his career as a Research Associate at the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems. After completing his Doctoral Degree in Electrical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Alexander Helmedag later was a postdoctoral researcher at the E.ON Energy Research Center, focusing on innovative solutions in power systems automation. In 2018, he joined Amprion GmbH, where he now serves as Head of Primary Equipment Offshore, overseeing electrical engineering aspects of offshore grid connection systems.
Talk 2: From Smart Poles to Scale-Ups: Driving Digital Solutions Across E.ON Energy Networks and Customer Solutions
The presentation gives insights from the journey driving digital innovation across the energy sector, from early smart infrastructure projects to leading strategic integration of digital solutions at E.ON. He also shares his professional journey, illustrating how his experiences have shaped his approach to innovation and transformation. The talk highlights how digital platforms and scale-ups are transforming energy networks and customer services, enabling a more flexible and sustainable energy future.
About the speaker, Dr.-Ing. Michael Diekerhof
He worked as a Research Associate at the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems, After obtaining his Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Michael Diekerhof later held key roles at innogy SE and E.ON, where he led product management and strategic innovation initiatives. Today, he serves as Vice President Portfolio & Strategy Management at E.ON One, driving the integration of SaaS scale-ups to accelerate the digital energy transition. In parallel, he contributes as an external expert for the European Commission and he is an advisory board member for NFDI4Energy.