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Energy Research

Information website on project funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in the 8th energy research programme

Die Projektförderung des BMWE hat deutliche Impulse für Innovation, Transfer und Investitionen geliefert. © Istock/imaginima

Evaluation report on the BMWE’s project funding under the 7th Energy Research Programme published

The BMWE’s project funding under the 7th Energy Research Programme has strengthened energy research and supported the transition of the energy system.

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News
Testbohrung mit Bohrgerät und LKW auf einer Wiese. from left to right: © www.peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com, © GFZ, © Hamburger Energiewerke, © Solmax, © francescoridolfi.com – stock.adobe.com

02.06.2026 Project Insights

URBAN ARENA lays the foundations for seasonal heat storage

This is the next stage of the URBAN ARENA Seasonal Heat Storage initiative: the final three of a total of 23 micro projects starting in June.

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So-called pipe liners make it easier to maintain district heating networks. Here, a cured carbon fibre liner is being cut to size. © PPR Germany

29.04.2026 Project Insights

Refurbishing district heating pipes more efficiently

A team in the "FW-Liner" project has investigated how district heating pipelines can be renovated in a resource-saving way.

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Darstellung von Salzkavernen im Untergrund. © STORAG ETZEL

10.04.2026 News

Salt caverns as flexible hydrogen storage facilities

Researchers are currently testing the optimal operating procedure for salt caverns used to store hydrogen in Lower Saxony.

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Dr. Philipp Schraml shows another person point clouds on a dashboard. © PTW, TU Darmstadt

09.03.2026 News

AI control improves energy efficiency in industrial cooling

Whether it's fluctuating electricity prices or varying heating requirements, the use of AI optimises the operation of industrial refrigeration systems

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Overview of the HiPE-LAB with climate chamber and refrigerators. © University of Bremen, IALB

09.03.2026 News

Strong demand for testing high-performance electronics

Three years after the completion of the HiPE-WiND funding project, the HiPE-LAB test laboratory at the University of Bremen was fully booked in 2025.

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Funding

Symbolic picture for research funding © Wanan – stock.adobe.com
Funding Announcement

Funding priorities

Research institutions, companies and others can apply for funding from the BMWK based on the funding announcement for the 8th Energy Research Programme.

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Symbolic picture for the living labs of the energy transition © Blue Planet Studio – stock.adobe.com
Funding Format

Living Labs of the Energy Transition

Living labs of the energy transition are a funding format for innovation projects on an industrial scale and in a real environment.

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© Milan Ilic – stock.adobe.com © Milan Ilic – stock.adobe.com
Funding Format

Micro Projects

Micro projects are an element of the funding announcement as part of the 8th Energy Research Programme offering low-threshold access to research funding.

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The 8th Energy Research Programme for Applied Energy Research

A climate-neutral and secure energy supply needs bold solutions in order to succeed. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is funding applied energy research in Germany with the "8th Energy Research Programme for Applied Energy Research - Research Missions for the Energy Transition" so that these innovations can emerge and quickly become part of everyday life in Germany.

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"Drive innovations for the transition to an efficient, resilient, and sustainable energy system."

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Energy System

"Pave the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy through new technological solutions and concepts along the entire value chain."

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Hydrogen

"Accelerate the transition to sustainable and efficient heating and cooling."

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Heat

"Strengthen the role of energy research as a catalyst for progress in the economy and society."

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Transfer

"Create innovations for a secure and affordable electricity supply that contributes to climate protection."

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Electricity

With the 8th energy research programme, the BMWE pursues a mission oriented innovation policy for the energy transition.

To the mission overview

Mission Overview