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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

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

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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News
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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The ongoing restructuring of the energy supply is creating new challenges for maintaining security of supply. Research is providing the necessary solutions. © reewungjunerr – stock.adobe.com

03.02.2026 Project Insights

Research protects energy system from incidents and attacks

In order to make the energy system resilient and future-proof, the BMWE promotes research that protects the system against attacks and failures.

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Panorama of Mainz on the river Rhine © Mathias Weil – stock.adobe.com

30.01.2026 Project Insights

Water to warmth: Bridging technology, ecology and regulation through FluSeeQ

FluSeeQ demonstrates how rivers and lakes can be used safely and in an environmentally responsible way for sustainable heat.

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Gino Frielinghaus, Fraunhofer IWES © Timo Lutz

29.01.2026 Interviews

Surface-based system detects subsea cables

Using seismoacoustic imaging techniques, the newly developed system from the SASACD project measures the seabed and detects submarine cables.

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Porträtbild Thomas Hickmann © Whitecell Eisenhuth GmbH und Co. KG

21.01.2026 Interviews

Making bipolar plates for water electrolysers cheaper and more robust

Thorsten Hickmann from Whitecell Eisenhuth provides insight into a new bipolar plate for cheaper and more reliable hydrogen production.

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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