With its Energy Research Programme (EFP), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action defines the current basic lines and priorities of its funding policy in the field of innovative energy technologies. With the new programme, the BMWK is pursuing a mission-oriented innovation policy for the energy transition for the first time. This involves cross-sector and cross-disciplinary research funding that is geared towards specific, ambitious goals for each mission. The focus is always on quickly putting research results that contribute to the development of a climate-neutral, secure energy supply into practice.
As the energy transition is a dynamic process that is shaped by external, geopolitical developments as well as by all stakeholders who provide or use energy, the BMWK has deliberately designed the new energy research programme as a learning programme. This means that the various funding formats and programme objectives of the missions can be adapted to new requirements. In this way, policymakers ensure that the funding policy matches the innovation requirements of the energy transition. To this end, the programme also provides for monitoring that indicates at an early stage if objectives or measures need to be adjusted.
The update of the energy research programme was preceded by a broad consultation process with stakeholders from business and industry, science, society and the federal states. This was scientifically supported by the funding project ‘Mission-oriented policy learning for an agile energy research programme (M-EFP)’ and coordinated by Project Management Jülich on behalf of the BMWK.
There are also other research programmes that include aspects of forward-looking energy technologies. These are primarily programmes that do not focus on energy policy aspects. These include aviation research and the BMWK's technology funding programme for SMEs.
Research funding up to market readiness
The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the scientific and technical status of a technology on a scale of 1 to 9 (technology readiness level). The BMWK funds application-oriented research work from TRL 3. TRLs from 7 to 9 are the basis for the instrument of the real-world laboratories of the energy transition, with which market-oriented developments are funded.
Micro projects: Innovative format for faster implementation
Micro projects are a special format in the energy research programme. Micro projects differ from existing formats in that they focus on the rapid utilisation of project results and short project durations. Faster application processes, small-scale, short-term projects and a more intensive, targeted evaluation of ongoing projects are intended to accelerate learning loops. In particular, urgent research questions and funding requirements are to be clarified in a focussed manner using a ‘trial and error’ approach. The BMWK's energy research programme will extend and strengthen the micro project funding format to all research topics.
Innovations for location renewal in Germany and technology exports
Energy innovations play a significant role in securing value creation, jobs and prosperity in Germany. The contributions to technological sovereignty and diversification also strengthen the business location.
Research funding also supports German companies in expanding their position in the field of climate- friendly energy technologies. Climate protection and CO2 emissions do not stop at national borders. New energy technologies are not only used in Germany, but also around the world. Those who can offer innovative and economical solutions - and German companies and research institutions are in a very good starting position thanks to continuous research funding in many energy technologies - have a competitive advantage on the international markets. This secures growth and employment in Germany. At the same time, Germany is making an important contribution to international climate protection.
Research projects are limited in time and clearly defined in terms of content. The projects are implemented by companies, research institutions and universities. The limited project durations make it possible to further develop funding focuses and priorities in a targeted manner and adapt them to new findings and framework conditions. This increases the efficiency of the funding programme. The transfer of research results into marketable applications is also important for the success of the BMWK's energy research.
Funding advice
With the 'Research and Innovation' funding advice centre, the federal government offers a first point of contact for all questions relating to research and innovation funding. It informs potential applicants about current funding programmes and initiatives as well as the relevant contact persons.
Its range of services also includes a guidance service for companies. This is aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises.
Information on how to apply for the 8th Energy Research Programme can be found at www.energieforschung.de
