The funding announcement by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supports applied energy research within the framework of the 8th Energy Research Programme. The objective is to drive innovations that contribute to achieving climate neutrality by 2045, with the energy transition as a central pillar. Projects must contribute to one or more of five thematic missions:

• Energy System 2045

• Heat Transition 2045

• Electricity Transition 2045

• Hydrogen 2030

• Transfer and practical implementation

Who is funded:

Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, startups, SMEs, industrial companies, and non-profit organizations, either individually or in consortia. Public-private partnerships are encouraged.

What is funded:

The funding covers research, development, pilot implementation, and demonstration of technologies typically starting at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 and extending up to demonstration under real conditions. Both technical and non-technical innovations are eligible. Funded topics include, but are not limited to:

Energy supply technologies:

• Wind energy: full lifecycle innovations (design, materials, software, recycling, offshore integration)

• Photovoltaics (PV): cost-effective cell/module production, integrated PV (e.g. building-integrated), recycling strategies

• Solar thermal energy: component/system development for residential, commercial, and industrial use

• Geothermal energy: exploration, drilling, materials, reservoir stimulation, induced seismicity, underground thermal storage

• Hydrogen production and derivatives: electrolysis technologies, solar/biochemical methods, system integration, upscaling

• Fuel cells and hydrogen reconversion: development for mobile and stationary use, fuel-flexible turbines and CHP

• Bioenergy: utilization of residual and waste biomass, BECCUS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage), process heat

Infrastructure and storage:

• Power grids and storage: system services, grid-forming inverters, batteries, high-temperature superconductors

• Thermal energy networks and storage: district heating and cooling, sector coupling, new low-temperature grids

• Hydrogen transport and storage: pipelines, tanks, underground storage, LOHCs, safety technologies

Energy use and efficiency:

• Buildings: energy-positive buildings, innovative insulation materials, smart HVAC systems, predictive control

• Urban quarters: integrated planning for heat/cold generation, local energy management, resilient infrastructures

• Industry: process electrification, high-temperature heat pumps, flexible production, waste heat reuse

• Circular economy: design for reuse/recycling, reducing grey energy, materials efficiency

Systems and digitalization:

• System analysis and integration: energy system modelling, simulation tools, digital twins, open data, citizen science

• Digital control and optimization: predictive analytics, AI-based energy management, smart grid integration

Opening date: Now open

Submission deadlines: Rolling (continuous submission possible)

Special notes: Projects must align with one or more mission objectives and demonstrate potential for measurable impact, including through defined “Sprinterziele” (short-term goals). Participation in international research collaborations (e.g. IEA TCP, CETP) is encouraged.