Uwe Leprich

Prof. Dr. Uwe Leprich has been Professor of Economics and Economic Policy at Saarland University of Applied Sciences since April 1995. His denomination was changed in 2020 to 'Economic and Economic Policy Sustainability Strategies.' He serves as a key academic figure in energy policy and sustainability research, with extensive expertise in electricity market design, renewable energy systems, and climate protection strategies. His work bridges academic research with practical policy implementation through numerous government advisory roles and public engagement.

Prof. Leprich's research interests focus on the transformation of energy systems, particularly the German electricity sector. His work examines market design challenges in the context of increasing renewable energy penetration, sector coupling between electricity, heat, and transportation, and the economic implications of climate policy. He has been instrumental in analyzing liberalization requirements for energy sectors, instruments of national and international energy and climate policy, and service approaches for actors in liberalized energy markets. His research consistently emphasizes the need for systemic thinking in energy transition rather than piecemeal solutions.

His extensive publication record spanning nearly three decades reveals a consistent focus on the structural transformation of energy systems. Early work centered on electricity market liberalization, while more recent publications address the challenges of integrating high shares of variable renewable energy, sector coupling, and the institutional requirements for a successful energy transition. His analysis often challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for innovative regulatory approaches that prioritize system stability and climate goals over narrow market efficiency considerations.

Prof. Leprich has supervised numerous final theses and has been involved in significant research projects including 'GRIHSU! Green Innovation Hub Südwest!' and 'Cross-modal exchange of renewable energy.' His practical impact extends beyond academia through his leadership roles in energy policy implementation.

He founded the Institute for Future Energy Systems (IZES) in 1999, leading it scientifically from 2008 to 2016. From April 2016 to March 2018, he was seconded to the German Environment Agency where he headed the Climate Protection and Energy department. His practical experience in policy implementation complements his academic work, giving him unique insight into the challenges of translating research into effective policy.