Significant rise in investments in renewables

Last year, investments in renewables installations tallied €16.2 billion in Germany, which is approx. 7% more than in the preceding year. This expansion in the use of renewables helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the power sector.

‘Jugend forscht’ competition for young researchers in schools: girl from Baden-Württemberg wins special award

This year’s ‘Jugend forscht’ special award for renewables research goes to Alice Cornelia Höfler from Gottmadingen in the State of Baden-Württemberg, who developed a fine particulate air filter for small furnaces.

What exactly is a ‘reality lab’?

How can rules be designed in a way that facilitates innovation? What are the side-effects? What works best is to try out new rules before rolling them out – for instance in a reality lab. Read on for more information.

Quote of the week

“Unfortunately, the grids have not been able to keep up pace with the speed of the successful expansion of renewables capacity. It is true that we need to move fast.”

Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel speaking at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Bundesnetzagentur.