Recommendations on policy actions often concern implementation challenges on existing technologies. Within DE systems, however, there are needs and potentials for new technology development. New technology here in the meaning of a combination or adaption of existing elements or processes (hybrid systems) as well as new technical solutions and new components.

The energy demand is often implicitly assumed to be the electrical power demand, but 50-75% of the energy needs is on the thermal side (heating, cooling, refrigeration, hot water, cooking). DE solutions should therefore include renewable energy technology for the thermal side, where appropriate technology is currently lacking. There is in particular room for innovation regarding:

• Energy for food preparation and preservation
• Hybrid energy systems (power generation, energy storage, heating/cooling)