Article - The Energy Transition

NDE Germany

Introduction

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About us

The National Designated Entity of Germany

The National Designated Entity (NDE) is part of the Technology Mechanism set up in the context of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and is to support the work of the CTCN at national level.

There are currently 166 NDEs around the world (as of July 2024), which represent more than 90 per cent of the world's population. In developing countries and emerging economies, the task of NDEs is to draft and compile enquiries on cooperation and forward these to the international network.

The NDE in Germany is anchored in the Federal Ministry for Economics Affairs and Energy (BMWE). It serves as the first point of contact for all

  • enquiries from the CTCN and other national designated entities about German climate-related technologies, programmes run by the Federal Government, services or potential cooperation projects on research in the context of the Technology Mechanism
  • enquiries about potential technology cooperation projects with German companies, research institutions and public entities
  • enquiries from German companies and investors.

Climate-related technologies include technologies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, analyse the impact of climate change or adapt to climate change.

Where appropriate, information about envisaged research projects and technologies from Germany is passed on to the CTCN, and enquires from the CTCN and from developing countries and emerging economies are compiled and sent on accordingly.

Since 20 June 2016, HEAT GmbH is acting as the implementing office of the NDE Germany. Its duties are undertaken in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Economics Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The implementing office is located in Königstein.

NDE Germany Implementing Office

+49 6174 9403704

Seilerbahnweg 14

Königstein/Taunus 61462

Deutschland

Technology cooperation under the UNFCCC

Technology cooperation under the UNFCCC

Climate technologies play a fundamental role in effective climate protection. German companies offer a wide range of valuable technologies. German policy supports international cooperation on technology development and transfer through numerous initiatives and political support.

NDE (National Designated Entity) Germany is the national contact point for climate technology transfer under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This makes it one of a total of 166 NDEs worldwide that have been established to promote cooperation on technology transfer to developing countries and emerging economies in the interest of climate protection worldwide.

On our internet portal we would like to inform you about technology transfer and make it easier for you to access German institutions, funding initiatives and financing opportunities as well as helpful platforms and relevant publications. The focus is on both climate technologies for reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate. 

Feel free to contact us for more information.

Technology Platforms

Technology Platforms

Share Your Climate Technologies

The demand for climate technologies is growing rapidly — and so is the portfolio of solutions already available worldwide. While numerous channels exist to promote your technologies (industry associations, thematic initiatives, and more), we would like to highlight two global platforms particularly relevant for this purpose.

1. WIPO GREEN Database in cooperation with CTCN

WIPO GREEN is a free global platform for connecting providers and seekers of green technologies. Operated by the World Intellectual Property Organization, it allows you to search for specific technologies or showcase your own solutions to a global audience, with direct matchmaking facilitated through the platform. For a exclusive overview of recent developments, also explore the latest Green Technology Book. Visit: WIPO GREEN Database

2. Global Matchmaking Platform

The Global Matchmaking Platform is a dedicated platform for connecting technology providers, financiers, and governments seeking to decarbonize heavy-emitting industries. Launched at COP29 and implemented by UNIDO as a key mechanism of the Climate Club, it focuses on sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals in emerging and developing economies, helping these countries leapfrog into climate-friendly industrial development through tailored, needs-based matching. Governments can submit tailored requests for support, with donors and implementing agencies to respond incl. multilateral development banks, climate funds, bilateral agencies, UN agencies, initiatives, etc.. Both technical and financial assistance can be provided. Visit: Global Matchmaking Plattform

Financing and funding initiatives

Financing and funding initiatives

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Climate financing is one of the key influencing factors in the international community's joint efforts to reduce global warming and support those countries most affected by climate change. An important prerequisite for successful technology transfer is therefore unrestricted access to potential sources of financing. In this context, public-private partnerships, financing through multilateral funds, bilateral financial cooperation and state financing are equally important.

Partner for climate finance

KfW Development Bank

KfW is one of the world's leading promotional banks. Since 1948, it has been working on behalf of the German federal and state governments to improve economic, social and ecological living conditions worldwide. With its subsidiaries, KfW IPEX-Bank for financing international projects and exports, DEG for supporting companies to invest in developing countries and KfW Entwicklungsbank for cooperation with state institutions, it is a key partner for successful cooperation with developing countries.

Foreign Trade and Investment Promotion SchemeExport credit guarantees, investment guarantees and guarantees for untied loans have been established and proven foreign trade promotion instruments of the German government for decades. Export credit guarantees ("Hermes Cover") protect German export transactions and the banks financing them against political and economic risks. With guarantees for untied loans, the German government supports eligible raw materials projects abroad. Investment guarantees protect eligible German direct investments in developing and emerging countries against political risks. One particular aim is to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Furthermore, several comprehensive funding initiatives have been established to support the development and transfer of climate technologies in particular through financial and framework activities.

Funding initiatives

The International Climate Initiative (IKI)

Since 2008, the International Climate Initiative (IKI) has funded over 1,100 ambitious climate and biodiversity projects in around 150 partner countries with almost 8 billion euros to date. It is an important tool of German international cooperation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing and emerging countries as well as adaptation measures. This includes technology cooperation and numerous projects with technology components.

Programme develoPPP

Promoting the private sector: Through the develoPPP.de programme, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports companies that want to sustainably invest in developing and emerging countries with financial and, if required, also professional support. Financial support can sum up to 50% of the project costs with a maximum of 2 mio Euro. It is important that these projects not only achieve a long-term economic objective but also generate sustainable benefits for local people. Around 2,800 development partnerships have been initiated since the program was launched in 1999. Many of these projects are climate-relevant as they involve investments in renewable energies, energy efficiency, water treatment, recycling / circular economy, biodiversity or forestry.

Germany Energy Solutions (export initiative)The German Energy Solutions Initiative supports German providers of sustainable energy solutions in the fields of renewable energies, energy efficiency, smart grids and storage in accessing foreign markets. New technologies such as power-to-gas and fuel cells are also increasingly being looked at. The offer is aimed in particular at small and medium-sized enterprises and supports participants with market preparation measures as well as with exploring, developing and securing markets.
Global Energy Transformation Programme (GET.pro)GET.pro is a european multi-donor project founded in 2018 that works on the key issues of a just global energy transition and is among others supported by Germany. The aim of the project is to improve the conditions for investment in a global energy transition as part of a coordinated European approach. To this end, it uses scalable instruments: GET.invest mobilizes private investments, GET.transform supports public partners in the design and implementation of their energy transitions, the Secretariat of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) promotes strategic political dialogue between Africa and Europe on an equal footing to accelerate a just African energy transition. The focus of the implementation of this global project is on Africa and Latin America.
Project Development Programme for developing and emergien countries (PEP)Through the Project Development Programme (PDP) for Developing and Emerging Countries, a key pillar of the Energy Export Initiative, the German Government supports business matchmaking between foreign industrial companies with high energy demand and German providers of sustainable energy solutions. PDP is currently being implemented in countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Exportinitiative Environmental Protection (EXI) "Greentech made in Germany"The Federal Ministry for the Environment's “Export Initiative for Environmental Protection” (EXI for short), launched in 2016, aims to support the market preparation of German environmental protection technologies. The focus is on the ministry´s core thematic areas: water and wastewater management, recycling, waste and raw materials management, resource efficiency, environmental management and sustainable consumption, “green” hydrogen and fuel cell technologies for off-grid electricity applications as well as environmentally friendly mobility solutions and innovative cross-sectional technologies. The funding program is an important building block for environmentally-focused foreign trade promotion.
Energising Development (EnDev)Energizing Development (EnDev) is an energy access program that addresses the problem of lack of access to clean energy (electricity, sustainable cooking solutions) for millions of households worldwide. The global project is financed by six donors and implemented in 20 countries worldwide. It promotes the use and dissemination of sustainable, energy-efficient technologies. The program has reached over 30 million people to date.
Nitric Acid Climate Action Group (NACAG)

The goal of the global Climate Action Nitric Acid Initiative, launched by the German Federal Government, is to equip all nitric acid plants worldwide with effective nitrous oxide abatement technology. The initiative offers information and technical advice on the use of abatement technology to all interested companies, organisations, and governments. In addition, it provides financial support for abatement technology to those countries that are willing to anchor emission reductions in the nitric acid sector within their national strategies (e.g. NDCs).

Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI Friends)The German Partnership for Sustainable Mobility (GPSM) has become "TUMI Friends“ and continues to serve as a guide for sustainable mobility and green logistics solutions from Germany for other countries. As a platform for exchanging knowledge, expertise and experiences, TUMI Friends supports the transformation towards sustainability in developing and emerging countries. It serves as a network of information from academia, businesses, civil society and associations.

International cooperation on climate protection is flanked by numerous political activities aimed, among other things, at mutual exchange, increased ambition and improved conditions for private sector cooperation. The following are individual examples.

Political support

Climate, energy and hydrogen partnerships and energy dialoguesClimate, energy and hydrogen partnerships and energy dialogs are key instruments of the German foreign energy and climate policy. The partnerships serve to support the expansion of renewable energies, the promotion of energy efficiency and the dissemination of green technologies. At the same time, market-based framework conditions and export opportunities are promoted and the joint development of new climate technologies is driven forward. A less formal format are energy dialogues with various opportunities for exchange and dialogue. Germany currently maintains partnerships and dialogues with over 30 countries.
Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP)Germany is involved in the G7 initiative to establish Just Energy Transition Partnerships, which has been in existence since 2022 and are multilateral energy partnerships that currently exist with South Africa, Indonesia, Senegal and Vietnam.
Climate ClubIn 2022, the Climate Club was founded on Germany's initiative as a high-level forum to promote the decarbonization of industry. The Climate Club, which was founded by the G7 and the EU Commission, works on setting the course for decarbonization strategies, including technology development and transfer. The work program was defined in December 2022 in a joint charter based on three pillars (i) promoting ambitious and transparent climate change mitigation measures, (ii) industry transformation and (iii) promoting international climate cooperation and partnerships.
Supporting the Technology Mechanism under UNFCCCGermany supports the Technology Mechanism of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its organizations: the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Centre and Net-work (CTCN) through financial contributions, joint initiatives and active participation in events (e.g. Regional Climate Weeks, webinars, etc.). Germany has been operating a national contact point for the technology mechanism (NDE Germany) for several years. Further cooperation with CTCN exists on the topics of emission-free cement, steel and climate-friendly buildings. With regard to climate negotiations, Germany supports regular exchanges with other NDEs within Europe, with the European Commission and at global level.

Note: This list does not claim to be exhaustive.

German Stakeholders

German Stakeholders

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Numerous players in Germany are directly and indirectly involved in technology development and transfer to developing countries. Political support comes in particular from the federal ministries and offices listed below. In addition, many associations and organizations are actively involved in supporting their members in initiating and establishing contact with relevant partners abroad and providing information. Furthermore, various research institutes address the topic, usually with a specific focus on certain technologies and areas of application. 

The following gives an overview of relevant public players in Germany. The list does not claim to be exhaustive.

Ministries and Federal Agencies

Federal Ministery for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)

The BMWE takes the lead on German economic and energy policy, with a core focus on safeguarding prosperity and competitiveness. The Ministry strengthens Germany as a business location through targeted economic policy, particularly for industry and small and medium-sized enterprises, promotes German foreign trade, plays a key role in shaping European economic policy, and drives the digital transformation of the economy. At the same time, ensuring a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system is a central pillar of the Ministry's work.

Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

The BMZ devises the main concepts of Germany’s development policy. The core pillars are bilateral cooperation and international partnerships. Economic development in partner countries is encouraged through promoting private sector investment as well as providing loans, grants, or trainings. The BMZ supports multilateral and European cooperation such as the World Bank, regional development banks, UN programs, and the European Development Fund.

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Saxvety (BMUKN)As its name suggests, the BMUKN covers a diverse range of policy areas: environmental issues, climate protection, nature conservation, and nuclear safety. For nearly 40 years, the Ministry has been working to protect citizens from environmental pollutants and radiation, to promote the smart and efficient use of raw materials, to advance climate protection, and to ensure that the use of natural resources preserves biodiversity among animal and plant species and safeguards their habitats. Following the restructuring of ministerial responsibilities in May 2025, the BMUKN took on responsibility for national and international climate protection. It thus shapes key issues of the future and serves as a driving force for economic, ecological, and societal modernisation.

Federal Foreign Office (AA)

The Federal Foreign Office represents Germany's interests in the world, promotes international exchange and offers protection and assistance to Germans abroad. With its headquarters in Berlin and its network of around 230 missions abroad, the Federal Foreign Office fosters Germany's relations with other countries and with intergovernmental and supranational organizations. It maintains an intensive exchange with the world on the economy, culture, science and technology, the environment, development issues and many other topics. Climate foreign policy is also a working area of the Federal Foreign Office, encompassing support for international climate policy and negotiations, climate protection dialogues with other countries, and addressing the security policy implications of climate change.
German Meteorological Service (DWD)The German Meteorological Service (DWD) provides a wide range of climate services to support all areas of society in making the best possible use of existing and future climatic conditions. In particular, the potentials and risks of climate change are presented. 
UBA (Environmental Protection Agency)Germany's central environmental authority is responsible for ensuring that there is a healthy environment in Germany in which people can live as far as possible protected from harmful environmental impacts, such as pollutants in the air or water. The UBA covers a wide range of topics, from waste prevention and climate protection to the approval of pesticides. Research, policy advice, public relations work and the implementation and monitoring of environmental legislation are important areas of work.

Associations

B.KWK (German Combined Heat and Power Association)

The Bundesverband Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung e.V. (B.KWK) is a broad social alliance of companies, institutions and individuals for the promotion of combined heat and power generation. The association was founded in Berlin in 2001 and now has around 560 members. The aim is to increase the efficiency of energy conversion in order to conserve resources and reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment and climate. (website only available in German)

German Mechanical Engineering Association (VDMA)

VDMA represents more than 3200 businesses, mostly SMEs (divided into 37 trade associations). Membership covers the entire process chain – including associated tools and components, of process, production, manufacturing, drive-train and automation engineering, office and information technology, software, and product-related services, i.e. from components to plants, from system suppliers and Integrators through to service providers.
German RETech Partnership e.V.German RETech Partnership e.V. is a neutral organization for companies and institutions interested in exporting circular economy technologies, transferring knowledge and contributing to sustainable waste management worldwideGerman RETech Partnership e.V. is a neutral organization for companies and institutions interested in exporting circular economy technologies, transferring knowledge and contributing to sustainable waste management worldwide.

German Biogas Association (GBA)

The German Biogas Association unites operators, manufacturers and planners of biogas plants, representatives from science and research and all those interested in the industry. Since its establishment in 1992, it has become Europe’s most influential and independent organization in the field of biogas. It campaigns for the increased use of biogas through political lobbying at EU, national and state level.

German Water Partnership

German Water Partnership (GWP) concentrates the know-how of approximately 350 organizations and research institutions for water-related associations and is the central contact office for foreign partners and clients. GWP has been supported by the Ministry for Environment (BMUKN), Research (BMFTR), Development (BMZ), Economic Affairs (BMWE), and the Federal Foreign Office (AA) since its foundation in 2008.

VDI (The Association of German Engineers) (VDI)The VDI is a non-profit association of German engineers and scientists. Its aim is to promote technical science and research as well as technical education. Under the initiative “1.5 degrees - INNOVATIONS.ENERGY.CLIMATE. - Together for the climate goal” initiative, climate-related topics are addressed.

Research Institutions

International Geothermal Office (IGO)

The International Geothermal Office (IGO) has the aim to encourage the scientific and the technological innovative ability as well as the promotion of the competitive position of German companies. The promotion of scientific institutions working in the sectors of shallow and deep geothermal energy are of course  as well of high importance concerning the work within the IGO. (website only available in German)

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research investigates sustainable approaches to managing our natural foundations of life. Central to its work is the question of how societal development can be brought into harmony with a healthy environment. The UFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres.
German Aerospace Center (DLR)The DLR is the German Aerospace Research and Technology Center. In its core areas, DLR develops technologies for aeronautics and space, energy and transportation, as well as security and defence research. DLR fulfills its responsibility to society through an intensive exchange of knowledge and targeted technology transfer. The observation of climatic changes, research and development of sustainable innovative energy systems, alternative propulsion systems and energy sources, low-CO2 industrial processes and new mobility concepts are examples of DLR's work.
Alfred-Wegener-Institute (AWI)Scientific research (incl. observation and modelling) of climate change, ecosystem adaptation, permafrost thawing, marine littering, bionic light-weight constructions, aquaculture. Contributions to IPCC, Climate Office for polar regions and sea level rise, North Sea Office, German Arctic Office, marine and environmental measuring technologies, knowledge and technology transfer, policy advice.
Max-Planck-Institute for MeteorologyScientists at the MPI investigate what determines the sensitivity of the Earth system to perturbations such as the changing composition of its atmosphere, and work toward establishing the sources and limits of predictability within the Earth system. For that purpose MPI-M develops and analyses sophisticated models of the Earth system. Targeted in-situ measurements and satellite observations complement the model simulations.
Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS)

GERICS offers scientifically sound prototype products, advisory services and decision-relevant information in order to support government, administration and businesses in their efforts to adapt to climate change. The main focus areas of our current activities are water, energy, ecosystems and cities.

Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISEThe Fraunhofer ISE creates technical conditions for an efficient and environmentally-friendly energy supply in the industry as well as in developing countries. With its foci on power generation, energy efficiency, energy distribution and energy saving technologies it contributes to a broader application of new technologies for the transformation of our energy systems towards more sustainable and renewable sources.
Potsdam-Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) e.V.PIK addresses crucial scientific questions in the fields of global change, climate impacts and sustainable development. Researchers from the natural and social sciences work together to generate interdisciplinary insights and to provide society with sound information for decision making. The main methodologies are systems and scenarios analysis, modelling, computer simulation and data integration.
DBFZ (German Biomass Research Centre)Scientists of the DBFZ are looking for methods that facilitate an effective and sustainable use of solid, liquid and gaseous bioenergy sources. To achieve this, potential analyses, feasibility studies and practical tests are carried out in the laboratories of our research centre. The objectives are to make the utilisation of bioenergy technically simpler and safer, environmentally friendlier and economically more promising.
Thuenen Institute

The Thünen Institute works in several specialist institutes on topics relating natural resources and the sustainable development of rural areas, agriculture, forestry, timber and fisheries from a scientific, technological and socio-economic perspective.

GEOMAR (Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel)GEOMAR explores the global ocean from the seafloor to the atmosphere to understand the ocean system and enable the development of sustainable solutions to pressing societal problems.

News & Events

Overview of all events

 

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News & Events

View a list of all events

Institutional support for technology transfer

Institutional support for technology transfer

Creating appropriate environments for the introduction and use of climate-related technologies is key for climate mitigation and adaptation. Various German organizations and institutions are experienced in financing and implementing technology cooperation.

Technology cooperation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

During the climate negotiations held in Cancún at the end of 2010, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed to foster their cooperation in the area of technologies designed to mitigate and respond to climate change (the reduction of greenhouse gases and adaptation to climate change) and decided to set up the Technology Mechanism. This is composed of a policy unit - the Technology Executive Committee (TEC), and an implementing unit - the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN).

The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) began its activities in September 2011. The recommendations made by the TEC are to be fed into the decision-making processes for the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Further information is available hier.

The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) forms the basis for closer co-operation on technologies designed to mitigate climate change and seeks to improve networking opportunities. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been selected to act as the host organisation for the network. The CTCN is based in Copenhagen and commenced its activities in May 2013. Further information is available hier.

Recent Publications

Recent Publications

Please find here relevant publications on climate technologies.

Climate Technologies

Selected TEC Policy Recommendations:

Baseline reports:

Note: This list is not exhaustive.

Further information

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