Power electronics is a key technology for a future all-renewable energy system. In generation, transmission, distribution, and electrified end-use applications, technologies like wide-bandgap power semiconductors, single-stage and/or multilevel converter topologies, modularization, and digital control already enable highest performance of Power Electronics 4.0. Further industrial scaling-up and hence the “slide down the learning curve” should be emphasized, while ensuring full compatibility with the circular economy paradigm to minimize life-cycle environ-mental impacts and the use of raw materials, i.e., Power Electronics 5.0.
Furthermore, we expect significant opportunities for new applications of power electronics in concepts and new processes (chemical, metallurgical, etc.) for the direct electrification of hard-to-abate sectors such as the production of pig/crude iron and steel, cement, and chemicals, which contribute 25% of today’s greenhouse gas emission. Corresponding research in power electronics in close collaboration with neighboring disciplines like metallurgy or chemistry should be prioritized. This broadening of application areas highlights the importance of the Power Electronics 5.0 paradigm.