AIT-Stand auf der Enlit
From digital sovereignty to artificial intelligence, battery storage and sector coupling: from 10 to 12 November in Vienna, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology will be demonstrating how research is supporting the transformation of Europe’s energy supply.
The energy transition poses fundamental challenges for Europe’s energy supply: renewable energies must be reliably integrated into the electricity grids, energy flows must be intelligently managed, and digital infrastructures must be designed securely. The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is showcasing the solutions required to meet these challenges at Enlit Europe 2026, taking place in Vienna from 10 to 12 November. Austria’s largest non-university research organisation will be presenting the latest developments for a climate-neutral, flexible and digitally sovereign energy system at the Austria Pavilion (Hall B, Stand B.b88), in international expert forums and as part of European research projects.
Digital sovereignty: Secure data exchange for Europe’s energy sector
With the expansion of renewable energy and the increasing interconnection of electricity grids, storage facilities and consumers, the secure exchange of energy-related data is becoming increasingly important. Grid operators, energy suppliers and new market entrants must be able to make efficient use of information across organisational boundaries. At the same time, the requirements regarding data security, interoperability and control over sensitive information are increasing. The European Gaia-X initiative offers an important approach by creating a common framework for trustworthy and interoperable data ecosystems. The aim is to enable data to be exchanged according to transparent rules without relinquishing control over its use. For the energy sector, this opens up new opportunities to coordinate decentralised flexibility and better integrate renewable energy.
The AIT acts as coordinator for the national Gaia-X Hub Austria, which, on behalf of the Federal Chancellery (BKA) and the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), aims to contribute to political and strategic shaping, present complex developments in an accessible manner, support specific applications, and connect Austrian stakeholders with European initiatives. The Hub also contributes its expertise in the security and resilience of digital infrastructures. The focus is on trustworthy distributed systems, verifiable security mechanisms and the reliable operation of critical digital services. Helmut Leopold, Head of the Center for Digital Safety & Security at AIT and Chairman of the Gaia-X Hub Austria, will discuss these challenges on 11 November in the session ‘Data Exchange & Protection’.
Smart grids, battery storage and AI as key technologies
The growing share of renewable energy, the electrification of transport and industry, and decentralised generation facilities are fundamentally changing the demands placed on electricity grids. AIT develops and investigates technologies for safe and efficient grid operation. These include innovative approaches to strategic grid planning, hybrid power stations, grid-forming electrical loads and the intelligent integration of battery storage systems.
As part of the ‘AIT Innovation Insights’ at the exhibition stand, researchers will present their latest work on battery storage systems and digital tools for assessing flexibility. These are designed to help better align generation and consumption, relieve the strain on electricity grids and utilise renewable energy more efficiently.
Another key focus is the use of artificial intelligence. The AIT is showcasing research approaches to agent-based AI, digital twins for energy plants and data-driven planning tools for electric mobility. Digital twins make it possible to create virtual representations of plants, analyse operating conditions and examine different scenarios. In addition, the AIT is focusing on cyber security and the resilience of increasingly digitalised energy infrastructures.
Sector coupling: thinking about electricity, heating, mobility and storage as a whole
The transformation of the energy supply requires closer integration between different energy sources and consumption sectors. In this context, AIT is presenting research into the optimisation and decarbonisation of district heating systems, thermal storage, and innovative heating and cooling technologies. The aim is to integrate renewable energy sources more efficiently and to increase the flexibility of cross-sector energy systems. Another area of application is energy communities. Under the title ‘My Battery, Our Power – When Home Storage Works for the Whole Energy Community’, AIT researchers demonstrate how private battery storage systems can also be used collectively. The contributions highlight that the energy transition requires the coordinated interaction of generation, grids, storage and consumers.
European research collaborations: putting innovations into practice
In the EU Projects Zone, the AIT is showcasing its involvement in the European research projects RISEnergy, BRIDGE Relay, RESTORE and LVLV. The focus is on the further development and practical testing of innovative energy technologies, as well as their transition to wider application. This challenge is also the subject of the specialist event ‘Beyond the pilot. Why energy demonstrations stall and what would carry them further’. It examines the technological, economic and organisational prerequisites for the successful scaling up of demonstration projects. A white paper is due to be published in connection with the event.
AIT research in the international dialogue
Throughout the three days of the exhibition, AIT experts will be taking part in numerous specialist events on grid transformation, energy storage, flexibility, digitalisation and industrial decarbonisation. As part of the summit programme, Bharath Varsh Rao from AIT will moderate the discussion ‘Converging on Strategy: Europe’s DSOs Shaping the Grid of Tomorrow’, which will focus on the strategic challenges facing European distribution system operators.
At the AIT stand, the “AIT Innovation Insights” will offer in-depth insights into current research projects. The programme will be complemented by a live presentation from the start-up Raphson, as well as an Austrian Networking Reception organised jointly by Wien Energie and AIT, with the support of AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA and Smart Grids Austria. Through its presence at Enlit Europe 2026, AIT is demonstrating how combining expertise in energy and digitalisation can help make Europe’s energy infrastructures more efficient, flexible and resilient, whilst strengthening technological and digital sovereignty.
AIT at Enlit Europe 2026
Date: 10.–12. November 2026
Location: Vienna, Austria
AIT exhibition stand: Austria Pavilion, Hall B, Stand B.b88
Further information: www.enlit.world/enlit-europe
Mag. Michael Hlava
Head of AIT Communication
T +43 (0)50550-4014 I michael.hlava(at)ait.ac.at
Daniel Pepl, MAS MBA
AIT Communication / AI Factory Austria AI:AT
T +43 (0)50550-4040 I daniel.pepl(at)ait.ac.at
Mag. Florian Hainz BA
AIT Communication - Press & PR
T +43 (0)50550-4518 I florian.hainz(at)ait.ac.at