Existing energy supply systems reach their limits when it comes to the stable and efficient integration of a large number of renewable energy conversion plants. Due to the unpredictability of renewable energy generation, stable operation of the electrical grid is only possible if supply fluctuations are balanced with a significant amount of fossil-generated (dispatchable) reserve capacity. Sebastian Lehnhoff presents an approach for a decentralized, software-agent-based energy management system under distributed control, which minimizes the need for reserve capacity and better utilizes existing efficiency potentials. He demonstrates that stable operation and the provision of necessary reserve capacity under distributed control while adhering to strict real-time requirements is possible and can be more cost-effective than the current solution.