What role do artificial intelligence and start-ups play in operating the energy networks of tomorrow? This question was at the center of Ralf Werner’s guest lecture at the Institute for Entrepreneurship.

On October 28, 2026, the CIO/CDO of Open Grid Europe GmbH (OGE) was a guest speaker in the Master’s course “Technology and Innovation Strategy” taught by Dr. Colin Schulz. OGE operates Germany’s largest natural gas transmission network and is building additional networks for hydrogen and CO2 over the coming years. At the same time, many experienced employees are set to retire.

Werner explained how OGE addresses these challenges through innovation and AI, for instance through AI-based aerial pipeline inspection and a copilot that supports grid control in operational decisions. He emphasized that AI is intended to relieve experts of routine tasks and thus give them more room for key decisions.

He also presented OGE’s venture client model, under which the company acts as the first customer of start-ups, tests their solutions in pilot projects and, if successful, transfers them into regular operation.

The subsequent discussion with the students focused primarily on the use of AI and the security of critical infrastructure, including the question of how sensitive grid data can be protected when using AI models.

We sincerely thank Ralf Werner for his visit to Münster and the open exchange with our students.