The energy system is becoming increasingly decentralized in many areas. In addition to the 100 power plants that used to supply Germany, many small producers have now emerged. Whether in the case of rooftop photovoltaic systems or wind turbines, the producers are mostly cooperatives or private individuals, so-called "prosumers". While some emphasize the new opportunities for participation with regard to this development, others point out the higher costs of a more decentralized energy system.

The questions of what our energy system should look like in 2050 and how developments in the energy system in a more decentralized or centralized direction – with a view to overall costs, acceptance or jobs – should be evaluated were discussed by experts from the Academy project "Energy Systems of the Future" together with stakeholders from politics and administration, business, and organized civil society at the ninth Trialogue on Energy Transition. The full-day dialogue event took place on May 28, 2018 at the Allianz Forum Berlin and was hosted by the Berlin Governance Platform.