International research collaborations are becoming increasingly important. Germany is closely involved in international energy research. The research co-operations of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) are based on four pillars:
- Energy research in the European Union (EU),
- Energy research in the International Energy Agency
- energy research within the framework of Mission Innovation and
- multilateral energy research initiatives.
Energy research in the EU
The SET Plan (Strategic Energy Technology Plan) has been the European strategy that has set the guidelines for EU energy research funding since 2008. It is continually adapted to significant developments and challenges as well as to the EU's energy and climate targets. Using a holistic approach involving all relevant stakeholders, an integrated roadmap is drawn up that defines the priorities for research, development and innovation.
The EU promotes research, development and innovation based on multiannual framework programmes. The aim is to strengthen the scientific and technological foundations of the industry, to promote the development of its international competitiveness, and to expand the European Research Area (ERA). In the Horizont Europe programme, funding for research and innovation work in the field of non-nuclear energy is bundled in Cluster 5 ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility (KEM). Around €15 billion has been earmarked for this cluster over the term of the programme from 2021 to 2027.
Anyone interested in submitting an application can contact the National Contact Point (NCP) KEM - Climate, Energy, Mobility. The National Contact Point Energy is responsible for the topic of energy. It advises German companies, universities and research institutions free of charge on behalf of the BMWK.
In order to realise synergies between national and European funding policy, the BMWK supports so- called European partnerships within the framework of Horizon Europe, which in turn publish their own calls for funding. Five partnerships are planned in the energy sector: Clean Hydrogen, Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP), Driving urban transitions to a sustainable future (DUT), Built4People and a partnership in the field of batteries.Energy research in the International Energy Agency
The International Energy Agency (IEA) offers its 30 member states a broad forum for the joint coordination of key energy issues. It also provides a platform for international research cooperation, which takes place under the ‘Technology Collaboration Programmes’ (TCP). The priorities are renewable energies, fossil fuels, energy efficiency and nuclear fusion. Germany is currently involved in 22 out of 38 ongoing TCPs. All of the projects and activities in the field of energy research are coordinated by the Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT), in which the Economic Affairs Ministry represents the Federal Government.
Energy research at the International Energy Agency
The International Energy Agency (IEA) offers its 30 member states a broad forum for the joint coordination of important energy issues. It also provides a platform for international research cooperation, the so-called ‘Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCP)’. These programmes focus on renewable energies, fossil fuels, energy efficiency and nuclear fusion. Germany is currently involved in 22 of a total of 38 ongoing TCPs. All projects and activities in the field of energy research are coordinated by the so-called ‘CERT’ (Committee on Energy Research and Technology), in which the BMWK represents the Federal Government.