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Geopolitical developments and the energy security situation in the past year have make it more urgent than ever that we develop innovations which will provide us with a resilient and climate-neutral energy supply. This is why it is now key that we diversify the range of technologies we use.

Consultation process runs until the end of March 2023

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has called on the expert and research community to submit proposals and ideas for the 8th Energy Research Programme via an online survey that will run until the end of March. A key part of the responses will be made up of stakeholder comments and recommendations from the Energy Research Networks. In addition to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Federal Ministries of Education and Research (BMBF) and Food and Agriculture (BMEL) are also involved in the programme.

Energy research will remain a strategic element of energy policy

“Energy research is and will continue to be a central strategic key in the energy transition. We need to transform the technological base of our energy system quickly and in a strategic manner,” said Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Dr Robert Habeck at the launch of the consultation on the 8th Energy Research Programme.

Alongside cross-cutting aspects that will help optimise the energy system, the transformation of the energy system will be built on research for the electricity transition, the heat transition and a ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. The Energy Research Programme will serve as a further instrument of energy and climate policy and clearly identify ways to support existing programmes in these policy fields and create synergies.