Can Renewables Deliver 24/7 Power?

The smarter E Podcast Episode 259 | July 2, 2026 | Language: English

The future of energy was on display in Munich last week — and this isn’t hyperbole! While some still question how an industrialised nation like Germany can be powered by renewable energy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, The smarter E Europe 2026 offered some compelling insights. Through a major new study, an interactive exhibition, and the countless innovations showcased across the event, a pathway to a fully renewable energy system was laid out in remarkable detail.

In this special on-site edition of the podcast, we capture the energy of the event itself, explore the technologies on display, and discuss some of the industry's most important developments. One theme stood out was the emergence of truly 24/7 renewable energy systems.

Author, engineer, and consultant Tim Meyer joins the podcast to guide us through the special 24/7 Renewables exhibition at this year's event. He explains why electric mobility and vehicle-to-grid technology is a game changer for a solar-and-wind lead energy system. Meyer also argues that the transition to clean energy presents major opportunities for industry, particularly through access to low-cost electricity during periods of abundant wind and solar generation.

The smarter E founder and CEO Markus Elsässer also joins the podcast at both the opening and closing of this year's event. He reflects on the number of visitors this year, the key conversations taking place across the show floor, and the challenges currently facing the renewable energy sector.

Other guests in this special edition of the podcast include:

  • Charlotte Senkpiel, Fraunhofer ISE
  • Sitaram Chodimella, SIEMENS
  • Stefan Feilmeier, FENECON
  • Sören Vahland, GE Vernova

About The smarter E Podcast

Im The smarter E Podcast dreht sich alles um die aktuellen Trends und Entwicklungen einer erneuerbaren, dezentralen und digitalen Energiewirtschaft. Unser Host begrüßt und interviewt Persönlichkeiten, die unsere Branche prägen und Entwicklungen vorantreiben. Eine neue Folge erscheint jeden zweiten Donnerstag.

Tim Meyer has over 25 years of experience with new businesses, concepts, and technologies in the new energy sector – as managing director, board member, and entrepreneur. He has been involved in all aspects, from strategic marketing to manufacturing, project development to energy trading and supply, planning to the operation of integrated electricity and heat supply solutions. He is the best-selling author of the book “Strom-das-Buch”, and a well-known keynote speaker.

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