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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

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

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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News
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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During hydraulic testing, researchers brought over 1,000 cubic meters of thermal water with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius to the surface. © Baker Hughes

10.06.2025 News

Geothermal drilling in Lower Saxony: researchers extract large quantities of hot thermal water

Promising results in Ahnsbeck in Lower Saxony: Production tests of thermal water indicate a good geothermal reservoir.

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Construction of a tower for a wind turbine. © Peter – stock.adobe.com

14.04.2025 Project Insights

Controlling the sway: Investigating smarter designs for lasting wind turbines

Wind turbines are highly susceptible to vibrations due to their tall, slender structures. Researchers are employing various strategies to manage them.

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Two people look at the mobile phone and compare the view with the construction site. © Neher Butz Plus GmbH, Dominic Schumny

07.04.2025 Interviews

‘We couldn't have afforded the development costs’

In this interview, Matthias Wenthe describes how the BMWK-funded project energyTWIN resulted in an app that is available on the market.

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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 2045

"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 2030

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

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Heat Transition 2045

"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 Transition 2045

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

To the mission overview

Mission Overview