In the research programme "Smart Energy Showcases – Digital Agenda for the Energy Transition" (SINTEG), over 300 research institutions and companies in five model regions are developing new solutions for a completely renewable energy system. Ecologic Institute is part of the accompanying research process of the SINTEG programme, where it leads the work on the legal framework. Ecologic Institute supports the Federal Ministry of Economics (BMWI) and the SINTEG showcases in generating insights on how the regulatory framework has to be adapted so that the solutions developed in the programme can be put into practice.

The main focus of Ecologic Institute's work is:

• Evaluation of experiences with the SINTEG regulation: The aim of SINTEG regulation is to open up space for experimentation for a limited group of participants. In this sandbox, companies can demonstrate model solutions without suffering economic disadvantages.
• Legal aspects of IT security: The digitalisation of the energy system poses great challenges with regard to data security and data protection, the use of smart meters and IT security.
• Adaptation of the legal framework with a view to 2030 and 2050: Building on the results of the showcases, Ecologic Institute analyzes the need for adaptation of the legal framework for the energy sector.

The BMWi is funding the five model regions from 2016 to 2020 with more than 200 million euros. This funding is supplemented by private investments and leads to investments totaling over 500 million euros in the intelligent energy supply of the future. The funding programme addresses key challenges of the energy transition, such as system integration, flexibility, digitalisation, system security, energy efficiency and the establishment of smart grids and intelligent market structures.