6th Energy Research Programme of the Federal Government/Applied Energy Research

In September 2018 the federal cabinet passed the 7th Energy Research Programme. The 6th and 7th Energy Research Programme run parallel until the end of December 2018.

The Federal Government’s energy concept envisages a far-reaching reorganisation of the energy supply in Germany by 2050. The primary objective is to achieve a significant 80 to 95 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by increasing energy efficiency while simultaneously increasing the proportion of renewable energies.

If successful, this energy transition concept will lead to an energy system that, in 2050, is completely different from the current structure of energy supply, energy distribution and energy demand. Energy research is a strategic element of energy policy, as technological innovations for the successful implementation of the energy transition must be generated in all areas of the energy system over the medium to long term.

The prerequisite for this is a broad approach to applied research and technological development with close cooperation between stakeholders from science and industry. Therefore, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) is intensifying application-oriented energy research, and focusing its project funding along the entire energy chain, from the provision and conversion of energy through its transport, distribution and storage to its use in various sectors, such as industry or in buildings.

While the BMWi promotes application-oriented research, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) enacts funding measures in the area of basic research.