Experience the JenErgieReal real laboratory in the city

The first part of the JenErgieReal real-world laboratory exhibition is now open to the public: the platform on Engelplatz is a central component of the "ENERGY - WHAT MOVES US" exhibition by the city of Jena.

Visitors can discover at a glance where the energy supply of the future is already being implemented in the city today on a walk-in, abstract city map measuring around 100 square meters. These energy innovations are concrete solutions for a successful energy transition from the JenErgieReal real-world laboratory. Instead of just planning in theory, the solutions are tested directly on site - in the spirit of a real-world laboratory. This allows us to test what works and can also be transferred to other cities.

Energy supply of the future explained simply

The installation at Engelplatz comprises a steel platform and several cubes designed with texts, graphics and seating areas that replicate Jena's topography and invite visitors to read and linger. The short information texts and vivid graphics explain the technical solutions of the JenErgieReal real-world laboratory in Jena.

Using QR codes, additional texts provide more in-depth insights into the individual measures and show how they are integrated into the real-world laboratory of the energy transition. This makes innovations visible in compact form - from modern heating and district heating technology, photovoltaic systems, storage solutions and smart grid infrastructure to charging infrastructure for electromobility, energy management in public transport, local energy trading, mobility stations in the neighborhood or digital applications such as fall detection in the care sector.

"The platform makes it clear that the energy supply of the future is not a vision in Jena, but is already taking shape today. At the same time, the installation's dynamic design with integrated seating areas creates a quality of stay in the urban space and invites visitors to delve even deeper into the topics of the energy transition in the EnergyLab," emphasizes Lars Liebe, Head of Urban Development at the City of Jena.

The platform at Engelplatz is accessible throughout and free of charge. It is bilingual in German and English.

Three-part exhibition: Engelplatz - showroom - innovation locations

In addition to the installation on Engelplatz, there are two other parts of the "ENERGY - WHAT MOVES US" exhibition. A showroom will open at Löbderstraße 6 in the center of Jena on 01.04.2026. It will show how a sustainable, secure and affordable energy supply can be achieved in urban areas. Until 31.08.2027, findings and innovative solutions from the JenErgieReal real-world laboratory, as well as background information on the energy transition and concrete opportunities to help shape it, will be on display here.

In addition to the platform on Engelplatz and the exhibition in the EnergyLab, so-called innovation locations in the city will be marked by steles. The specific measures of JenErgieReal will be presented in an understandable way at these locations.

The three-part exhibition is aimed at a broad public - from young people and students to interested urban society and experts from science, politics and practice - and invites visitors to experience, understand and actively help shape the energy transition in Jena.

JenErgieReal - real laboratory of the energy transition

The aim of the JenErgieReal project is to test how cities can be supplied holistically with renewable electricity and heat energy in the future. To this end, the city of Jena is working with the Stadtwerke Jena Group, jenawohnen and partners from science, the housing sector and industry to develop a real-world laboratory for the energy transition.

The JenErgieReal project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with around 20.4 million euros over five years. Back in 2019, it was one of the 20 projects selected in the nationwide "Real-world laboratories of the energy transition" ideas competition - the only entry from Thuringia out of more than 90 submissions.

JenErgieReal sees itself as a blueprint for a climate-neutral, cost-effective and stable energy supply. The entire urban energy system is considered - from generation, users and grids to transportation, industry, commerce and housing. The project is being implemented across the city and aims to make Jena a pilot location for the municipal energy transition.