Energy expert meeting at Hochschule Reutlingen

One of the most important questions in today’s energy landscape, what actually improves performance in energy systems. Together with Prof. Dr. Bernd Thomas and Daniel Jentsch from Hochschule Reutlingen, Sören Ganssloser from AVAT, and Shailendra Tomar & Michael Gross from Preflet, and Evelyn Schaible from Green Space Center Baden-Württemberg c/o IHK Reutlingen, the conversation moved quickly past theory and into the practical realities of electricity and heat optimisation.

The discussion also went deep into system design, particularly the interplay between combined heat and power (CHP), heat pumps and the emerging role of hydrogen. Even though current funding trends heavily favour heat pumps, the group agreed that CHP remains highly relevant when configured correctly. Technologies don’t operate in isolation; their value depends on how they are combined, controlled and adapted to real‑world conditions.

AVAT Automation brought the supply‑side perspective, highlighting how much potential lies in coupling consumers and producers, especially in municipal utility environments. Their experience shows that integrated system thinking can unlock far more value from existing infrastructure than isolated upgrades ever could.

Preflet contributed by sharing recent work with Edge AI Autonomy. The focus was on continuous monitoring that goes beyond monitoring to produce dynamic controls for heating systems and on‑site generation. Just as important, Agentic AI LEO keeps a transparent record of what changed and what those changes delivered, making optimisation measurable rather than speculative.

It was a thoughtful, grounded exchange that focused on what truly drives efficiency. Many thanks to IHK Reutlingen and Hochschule Reutlingen for hosting and to all participants for the depth and clarity they brought to the conversation.