© Deutsches Museum

Join in the energy transition: Special exhibition opens in Munich

The Deutsches Museum in Munich has launched a special exhibition that aims to get people interested in creating a sustainable energy supply. In a simulation game, visitors of the museum can manipulate the way the energy transition will develop. In 2018, the exhibition will commence a world tour.

On 15 February, the Deutsches Museum launched a special exhibition entitled ‘energie.wenden’ in Munich. Across a wide range of exhibits, interactive activities, and media stations, the exhibition explains the main issues we are facing as we transform our energy supply. The exhibition particularly targets young people and young adults. Across nine subject areas, visitors can learn more about how complex the energy transition is and what everybody can do to help move it forward.

Visitors can find out what ‘energy transition type’ they are

At the heart of the exhibition is a simulation game that allows visitors to take on the role of policymakers. They learn about the different stakeholders that are involved in the energy transition – from farmers to grid technicians. All stakeholders have well-justified demands and visitors need to decide which position to take. All of their decisions have an impact on the direction the energy transition takes, for example in the areas of the electricity market, heat and electric mobility. At the end of the game, visitors are told what ‘energy transition type’ they are. “This game is really fun, but at the same time increases visitors knowledge about the energy transition”, says Sarah Kellberg, head of the special exhibition team.

Apart from the simulation game, the exhibition also has a large number of original exhibits for visitors to enjoy, for example the Tesla Roadster. Visitors can also see an original pump jack of the type that is still used for extracting oil today. In the courtyard of the museum, a solar panel ‘flower’ adjusts its angle to follow the direction of the sun. It generates 4,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. The texts displayed in the exhibition are written in both German and English; all of the videos have subtitles so as to serve the needs of international guests. The exhibition can be visited in Munich until 19 August 2018. After this date, it will tour a wide range of museums around the world in order to also make people from other countries interested in the energy transition. This world tour is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.