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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

The federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as a map with traffic light colors on a screen. © Projektträger Jülich / Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Geothermal potential across Germany: Discover your region in just a few clicks

All data is registered nationwide: Interested parties can now check online at GeotIS.de to see whether their region is suitable for geothermal probes.

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News
Floating photovoltaic system from a bird's eye view. (Symbolic photo) © eakarat – stock.adobe.com

16.10.2025 News

Global installed photovoltaic capacity exceeds 2,260 gigawatts in 2024

The International Energy Agency's Photovoltaic Power Systems programme highlights PV developments in 2024 in its trends report.

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Overview photo of the Bracht solar heating network facilities at the opening ceremony on September 20, 2025. © University of Kassel, Department of Solar and Plant Technology

22.09.2025 News

100 per cent renewable: Solar heat powers most of Bracht’s energy needs

Bracht has commissioned a pioneering system comprising solar thermal energy, heat pumps, wood-fired boilers, and a large underground storage tank.

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Wind turbines and electricity pylons © by-studio – stock.adobe.com

19.08.2025 Project Insights

Grid-forming inverters as a cornerstone of future power system stability

Grid-forming inverters and other new technologies will be essential for maintaining a stable, renewable-based power grid in the future.

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In the ZeroCO₂ Glass project, a research team is working on an emission-free melting process using bottle production as an example. © International Partners in Glass Research (IPGR) e.V.

15.08.2025 Project Insights

Hydrogen meets high temperatures: climate-friendly production of steel, bricks, and glass

The research projects ZeroCO₂ glass, KLIMAZIEGPROD, Hybrid-FIRE, and H₂-DisTherPro represent a new generation of industrial processes.

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Overall layout of the VerKlär² project © Matthias Schnell, TEER, RWTH Aachen

14.08.2025 Project Insights

Saves costs, protects the environment: How even small plants can recycle sewage sludge themselves

The VerKlär² project tested how even small systems can save costs, protect the environment and even become energy self-sufficient.

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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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"We are driving the transition to a climate-neutral, efficient and resilient energy system with innovations."

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Energy System

"We are paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy with new technology solutions and concepts along the entire value chain."

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Hydrogen

"We accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral and efficient heating and cooling supply."

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Heat

"We are strengthening the role of energy research as a driver of progress in the economy and society – through transparency, participation and practical orientation."

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Transfer

"With innovations, we are creating a secure, climate-neutral and affordable electricity supply from renewable energies."

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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