The BMWK's 8th Energy Research Programme sets the guidelines for research funding in applied energy research. Achieving the energy and climate policy goals requires a more efficient use of energy on the one hand and the further expansion of renewable energies in the consumer sectors on the other. Energy research makes a decisive contribution to this, as it drives the development of new and more efficient approaches. Research and research funding are thus laying the foundations for the CO2-neutral and resilient energy system of the future. The expertise developed not only drives the energy transition, but also supports the renewal of the location and strengthens the position of German companies in the field of modern energy technologies.

Applied energy research: paving the way for the completion of the energy transition

The economy and society are dependent on a reliable and affordable energy supply. On the one hand, this requires the permanent availability of technically and economically usable forms of energy. On the other hand, with increasingly fluctuating feed-in and digital networking, the technical robustness and resilience of the supply system is a strategically important task with economic, security and socio-political relevance.

In order to fulfil current and future requirements, energy research policy is addressing the relevant parameters. One important goal is the climate neutrality of the energy system. This can only be achieved if the proportion of renewable energy sources in all sectors of the supply system continues to rise rapidly.

An overarching approach is required to optimise the integration of renewable energies into existing systems in a way that conserves resources. Different elements must be ‘thought together’. Key topics here are, for example: Grids and storage, digitalisation and sector coupling. The latter links the areas of electricity, heat, mobility and industry. For example, electricity from renewable energy plants can be used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. The ‘green’ gas can in turn be used to decarbonise industrial processes. However, it is not only a higher proportion of renewable energies that can reduce CO2 emissions in the long term, but also a reduction in energy requirements. Through further development and optimisation, applied energy research is helping to make infrastructure, buildings, residential areas and industrial production processes more energy-efficient.

For the implementation of these innovative approaches to succeed, all parts of society must participate. This is because the transformation of the energy system has an impact on the entire living and working environment. Whether the population, public institutions, local authorities, energy suppliers or the skilled trades: change is only possible if they all support the energy transition or even play an active role in shaping it. Experts are developing solutions on how the various levels of society can be integrated and their concerns taken into account.

Making innovative technologies available more quickly and cost-effectively

The core objective of the BMWK's research funding is to develop and validate innovative, holistic solutions for the challenges of the energy transition and bring them to market quickly. This is to be supported by a broad funding approach along the entire value chain and by focussing on the transfer of results. Research funding in the energy sector makes important contributions to the modernisation of the German and European economy and to the renewal of the industrial location. The aim is to take up digitalisation in a meaningful way, maintain and expand technological expertise in the energy sector and improve export opportunities for innovative energy technologies. Through a broad technological programme approach, applied energy research contributes to preparing a wide range of solutions for the transformation process in the energy sector for the market in such a way that climate protection targets can be achieved more quickly and efficiently.

With its Energy Research Programme (EFP), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action defines the current basic lines and priorities of its funding policy in the field of innovative energy technologies. With the new programme, the BMWK is pursuing a mission-oriented innovation policy for the energy transition for the first time. This involves cross-sector and cross-disciplinary research funding that is geared towards specific, ambitious goals for each mission. The focus is always on quickly putting research results that contribute to the development of a climate-neutral, secure energy supply into practice.

As the energy transition is a dynamic process that is shaped by external, geopolitical developments as well as by all stakeholders who provide or use energy, the BMWK has deliberately designed the new energy research programme as a learning programme. This means that the various funding formats and programme objectives of the missions can be adapted to new requirements. In this way, policymakers ensure that the funding policy matches the innovation requirements of the energy transition. To this end, the programme also provides for monitoring that indicates at an early stage if objectives or measures need to be adjusted.

The update of the energy research programme was preceded by a broad consultation process with stakeholders from business and industry, science, society and the federal states. This was scientifically supported by the funding project ‘Mission-oriented policy learning for an agile energy research programme (M-EFP)’ and coordinated by Project Management Jülich on behalf of the BMWK.

There are also other research programmes that include aspects of forward-looking energy technologies. These are primarily programmes that do not focus on energy policy aspects. These include aviation research and the BMWK's technology funding programme for SMEs.

Research funding up to market readiness

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the scientific and technical status of a technology on a scale of 1 to 9 (technology readiness level). The BMWK funds application-oriented research work from TRL 3. TRLs from 7 to 9 are the basis for the instrument of the real-world laboratories of the energy transition, with which market-oriented developments are funded.

Micro projects: Innovative format for faster implementation

Micro projects are a special format in the energy research programme. Micro projects differ from existing formats in that they focus on the rapid utilisation of project results and short project durations. Faster application processes, small-scale, short-term projects and a more intensive, targeted evaluation of ongoing projects are intended to accelerate learning loops. In particular, urgent research questions and funding requirements are to be clarified in a focussed manner using a ‘trial and error’ approach. The BMWK's energy research programme will extend and strengthen the micro project funding format to all research topics.

Innovations for location renewal in Germany and technology exports

Energy innovations play a significant role in securing value creation, jobs and prosperity in Germany. The contributions to technological sovereignty and diversification also strengthen the business location.

Research funding also supports German companies in expanding their position in the field of climate- friendly energy technologies. Climate protection and CO2 emissions do not stop at national borders. New energy technologies are not only used in Germany, but also around the world. Those who can offer innovative and economical solutions - and German companies and research institutions are in a very good starting position thanks to continuous research funding in many energy technologies - have a competitive advantage on the international markets. This secures growth and employment in Germany. At the same time, Germany is making an important contribution to international climate protection.

Research projects are limited in time and clearly defined in terms of content. The projects are implemented by companies, research institutions and universities. The limited project durations make it possible to further develop funding focuses and priorities in a targeted manner and adapt them to new findings and framework conditions. This increases the efficiency of the funding programme. The transfer of research results into marketable applications is also important for the success of the BMWK's energy research.

Funding advice

With the 'Research and Innovation' funding advice centre, the federal government offers a first point of contact for all questions relating to research and innovation funding. It informs potential applicants about current funding programmes and initiatives as well as the relevant contact persons.

Its range of services also includes a guidance service for companies. This is aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises.

Information on how to apply for the 8th Energy Research Programme can be found at www.energieforschung.de

As part of the energy research programme, the BMWK has established the market-oriented format Living Labs of the Energy Transition as a pillar of research funding. The Living Labs of the Energy Transition have a pioneering character for the transformation of the energy system. They are dedicated to research issues that play a key role in the implementation of the energy transition.

Consortia from industry and science test technical and non-technical innovations on an industrial scale under real-life conditions. In this way, the Living Labs of the Energy Transition help to establish innovative developments in the energy sector on the market more quickly. Close cooperation between practitioners, researchers and local stakeholders enables energy technologies and concepts that make an effective contribution to climate protection to be identified and tailored to real needs.

The Living Labs of the Energy Transition encompass individual neighbourhoods, industrial areas, entire cities or can extend across several federal states. Some of the current projects are located in regions undergoing structural change that are affected by the coal phase-out. The Living Labs of the Energy Transition can contribute to the establishment of new technologies and new value creation locally. The current projects address the following questions, among others: How can green hydrogen be used economically on an industrial scale? How can the energy system of a city or even different cities be optimally linked together? What is necessary for the coupling of the electricity, transport, heating and industrial sectors to succeed?

Using knowledge to support the transfer to industry, science and society

In April 2021, the transfer research initiated by the BMWK on the Living Labs of the Energy Transition with a focus on hydrogen technologies was launched. The Trans4ReaL project, led by FfE Munich, aims to transfer the results and findings of the Living Labs of the Energy Transition into generally applicable knowledge and thus make them accessible to a broader group. The approaches of the Living Labs of the Energy Transition are reflected upon and learning experiences and options for action are derived. On the one hand, Trans4ReaL relies on a trusting and intensive dialogue with the funded projects. On the other hand, it is also important to network the Living Labs of the Energy Transition with each other in order to achieve mutual learning effects. The scientists involved in the Trans4Real project will thus provide a basis for establishing a sustainable hydrogen economy in Germany and integrating hydrogen into the energy system of the future.

Note:

The BMWK pursues two different concepts under the term ‘real-world laboratory’:

• The living labs of the energy transition are a funding format within the framework of the energy research programme. Their implementation is possible within the general legal framework; regulatory experimentation clauses are not currently envisaged.
• Regulatory Sandboxes as test rooms for innovation and regulation make it possible to test digital technologies and business models under real conditions - usually on the basis of experimentation clauses - that still have limits within the general legal framework.

Energy Research Networks

The Energy Research Networks have been initiated by the BMWK since 2014 in key areas of energy research. In addition to promoting participation and transparency, the aim is to accelerate the transfer of results and ensure the quality of research findings. The results of the network work are incorporated into the BMWK's strategic considerations for the further development of energy research policy.

More than 3,700 experts participate in the open expert networks (as of August 2023). Through their dialogue, they contribute to transferring the results of energy research directly to the stakeholders of the energy transition, discussing practical funding strategies in a topic-oriented manner and initiating new measures. This puts transparency and efficiency at the centre of energy research.

Coordination platform for energy research

The coordination of research and innovation measures focussing on energy from various federal ministries takes place in the Energy Research Coordination Platform under the leadership of the BMWK. This enables planned measures to be harmonised and synergies to be exploited through cooperation.

EnArgus is the BMWK's central information system for energy research. It provides information on current and completed funding projects in the field of energy research. Individual projects can be researched and filtered using the search function. Interested parties can also find data and facts on the funding provided in the respective research areas. A wiki also provides explanations of technical terms.

All final reports of BMWK research projects are collected in the Hanover Technical Information Library (TBI). The online version of the reports can be downloaded free of charge.

The website www.energieforschung.de provides information on all aspects of the BMWK project funding in applied energy research. It provides informations on how to apply for funding, current calls for proposals and general information on the BMWK's funding strategy in the energy research programme. The website explains the programme, the missions and the individual funding priorities and explains the background to the development and the consultation process for updating the programme. Those interested in funding can find useful tips and information on the application process in the ‘Application information‘ section. The section ‘Living Labs of the Energy Transition’ presents the market-oriented funding format. News, interviews and portraits of current research projects funded by the BMWK can also be found on www.energieforschung.de.

In order to inform the public about the diverse research activities in the field of innovative energy technologies in the 8th Energy Research Programme, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) publishes the annual . The report provides a detailed overview of the Federal Government's funding policy in the field of energy research. It presents progress, current developments and priorities in research funding in a transparent manner and presents selected highlight projects. The Federal Energy Research Report also updates the figures on the European research framework programme Horizon Europe and on energy research in the federal states.

The figures on project funding from the Federal Report on Energy Research can also be tracked transparently via EnArgus, the BMWK's central information system for energy research.

In 2023, the Federal Government spent around 1.46 billion euros on research, development and demonstration of modern energy technologies. The BMWK alone funded 5,482 ongoing projects with around 599 million euros. A further 325 million euros were channelled into institutional funding. This underpins the central role of energy research as a pioneer of the energy transition and a driving force for the energy industry.

International research collaborations are becoming increasingly important. Germany is closely involved in international energy research. The research co-operations of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) are based on four pillars:

• Energy research in the European Union (EU),
• Energy research in the International Energy Agency
• energy research within the framework of Mission Innovation and
• multilateral energy research initiatives.

Energy research in the EU

The SET Plan (Strategic Energy Technology Plan) has been the European strategy that has set the guidelines for EU energy research funding since 2008. It is continually adapted to significant developments and challenges as well as to the EU's energy and climate targets. Using a holistic approach involving all relevant stakeholders, an integrated roadmap is drawn up that defines the priorities for research, development and innovation.

The EU promotes research, development and innovation based on multiannual framework programmes. The aim is to strengthen the scientific and technological foundations of the industry, to promote the development of its international competitiveness, and to expand the European Research Area (ERA). In the Horizont Europe programme, funding for research and innovation work in the field of non-nuclear energy is bundled in Cluster 5 ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility (KEM). Around €15 billion has been earmarked for this cluster over the term of the programme from 2021 to 2027.

Anyone interested in submitting an application can contact the National Contact Point (NCP) KEM - Climate, Energy, Mobility. The National Contact Point Energy is responsible for the topic of energy. It advises German companies, universities and research institutions free of charge on behalf of the BMWK.
In order to realise synergies between national and European funding policy, the BMWK supports so- called European partnerships within the framework of Horizon Europe, which in turn publish their own calls for funding. Five partnerships are planned in the energy sector: Clean Hydrogen, Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP), Driving urban transitions to a sustainable future (DUT), Built4People and a partnership in the field of batteries.Energy research in the International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) offers its 30 member states a broad forum for the joint coordination of key energy issues. It also provides a platform for international research cooperation, which takes place under the ‘Technology Collaboration Programmes’ (TCP). The priorities are renewable energies, fossil fuels, energy efficiency and nuclear fusion. Germany is currently involved in 22 out of 38 ongoing TCPs. All of the projects and activities in the field of energy research are coordinated by the Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT), in which the Economic Affairs Ministry represents the Federal Government.

Energy research at the International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency (IEA) offers its 30 member states a broad forum for the joint coordination of important energy issues. It also provides a platform for international research cooperation, the so-called ‘Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCP)’. These programmes focus on renewable energies, fossil fuels, energy efficiency and nuclear fusion. Germany is currently involved in 22 of a total of 38 ongoing TCPs. All projects and activities in the field of energy research are coordinated by the so-called ‘CERT’ (Committee on Energy Research and Technology), in which the BMWK represents the Federal Government.