In September 2018, the Federal Cabinet adopted the 7th Energy Research Programme entitled ‘Innovations for the Energy Transition’. The programme defines the current principles and priorities for Federal Government funding for innovative energy technology. The Federal Government provides around €1.3 billion annually under the 7th Energy Research Programme for the research, development, demonstration and testing of forward-looking technologies and concepts. The programme, which the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is managing, is implemented together with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Thematic priorities and focus areas are set on the basis of the following strategy lines:

  • A focus on the transfer of technology and innovation, in particular through the Living Labs for the Energy Transition as a new funding pillar for preparing innovative solutions for the market on an industrial scale. At the same time, more funding shall be made available to startups, which are considered essential for providing fresh impetus for the energy transition. The Energy Research Networks and research communication are also important elements for the transfer of knowledge within industry and the energy sector.
  • An increased focus on cross-sectoral and cross-system issues of the energy transition such as digitisation, sector coupling and socioeconomic research with a view towards ensuring a holistic funding approach.
  • Close networking of research on European and international level. Cooperation with international organisations will be continuously expanded and scientific exchange will be promoted. In addition, export capacity and competitiveness are to be strengthened.
  • For the first time, the Energy Research Programme has an interministerial, topic-focused structure for project funding. The well-proven division of labour between the ministries will be maintained and is in line with the concept of the technology readiness level (TRL) of the topics and technologies being researched.

A consultation process for the 7th Energy Research Programme started in December 2016 and involved a broad range of stakeholders from industry, science and academia, civil society and the federal states. The strategic flagship project ‘Trends and prospects in energy research’ funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provided academic support for the consultation process. In February 2018, the outcome of the report was made available to the public before the final report entitled ‘Technologies for the Energy Transition’ was handed over to Mr Thomas Bareiß, former Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, on 25 July 2018.

The Federal Government also provides funding for the research and development of forward-looking energy technologies in areas outside its Energy Research Programme. This involves programmes in areas where energy policy aspects are not the main focus, such as aviation research and the promotion of technology for small and medium-sized businesses.

From basic research to market maturity

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) places the scientific and technical status of a technology on a scale from 1 to 9. Projects that aim to achieve TRL 1 to 3 and are thus classified as application-oriented basic research are funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is responsible for the more application-oriented research work at TRL 3 and above. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture funds applied research work at TRL 3 and above on the energy use of biomass. The instrument of living labs, which serves to promote close-to-market developments, is based on TRL 7-9.
In addition, the Federal Government’s 7th Energy Research Programme addresses overarching and systemic research topics, for example through interministerial and cross-cutting research initiatives.

Innovation to strengthen Germany as a place for business and investment

The Federal Government’s 7th Energy Research Programme supports German companies in further developing their competitive edge on modern energy technologies. Climate change mitigation and carbon emissions do not stop at national borders. New energy technologies are used not only in Germany, but also worldwide. Companies that can offer innovative and cost-effective solutions in this area have a competitive advantage on international markets. In this regard, German companies and research institutions are very well positioned, not least due to the continuous research funding being provided for many energy technologies. This will help to boost growth and employment in Germany. At the same time, Germany is making an important contribution to international climate change mitigation.

Research projects are limited in time and their content is clearly defined. The projects are carried out in companies, research institutions and universities. Due to their limited length, it is possible to adapt the focus of the projects any time new developments occur. The transfer of research findings into marketable applications is also vital for the success of energy research and the application-oriented project funding provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Funding advice

The Federal Government's 'Research and Innovation' adivsory service acts as a first point of contact for all matters related to the funding of research and innovation. This instrument serves to inform potential applicants about current funding programmes and initiatives, and about relevant contact persons. It further includes a support service for companies to guide them through the system tailored particularly to the needs of small and medium-sized companies.

Information on how to apply for funding under the 7th Energy Research Programme can be found at www.energieforschung.de