Port of Duisburg
energy research

How ports can be supplied with energy in a climate-friendly way

Hydrogen, battery storage and smart energy management put to the test: the ‘enerPort II’ project at the Port of Duisburg has demonstrated how industrial and logistics sites can in future be supplied with energy in a more flexible and climate-friendly way.

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The image shows the share of renewables in gross electricity consumption over the years 2005 - 2025.

direct view

Municipal heat planning is making good progress

To map out the path towards an affordable and climate-neutral heat supply, every municipality is required to draw up a tailored heat plan. Nearly three quarters of Germany’s larger municipalities have already done so.

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Wie können Mieterinnen und Mieter Sanierungsarbeiten mitplanen?

direct questions

Solar electricity from your neighbour: what is now permitted under energy sharing?

Buying solar electricity generated by your neighbour – legally and via the public electricity grid? dena energy expert Lisa Strippchen explains what has been permitted since 1 June 2026 and what energy sharing is all about.

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Group picture from the contest.

energy research

Young researchers focus on the energy transition

In the Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach, Germany’s best young STEM talents were honoured for the 61st time in May 2026 as part of the national ‘Jugend forscht’ youth science competition organised by the foundation of the same name. Among the submissions were also many ideas relating to the energy transition.

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A photo showing a hand on a heating controller.

The heat transition

Heat planning to become easier for smaller municipalities

A revision of the Heat Planning Act, adopted by the Federal Cabinet at the end of May 2026, is intended to introduce a significantly simplified heat planning procedure for municipalities with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants.

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Katherina Reiche, Bundesministerin für Wirtschaft und Energie

Quote of the week.

Federal Minister Katherina Reiche at the Congress for the German energy and water industry:

”Rewables will be the backbone of our electricity supply, and they already play a significant role today.”

Bild zeigt Zeitungsstapel

This month in ‘What the press say’:

This month in ‘What the press say’: Rising electricity exports from Germany, battery storage as a key component of modern power systems, and further relief for industry on electricity prices.

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direct reports

Public consultation on the next National Energy and Climate Plan

Every five years, EU Member States submit National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) outlining how they intend to contribute to the EU’s energy and climate targets. Next year, Member States will prepare draft NECPs for the next decade (2031–2040). The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is currently conducting a public consultation on the next NECP. Find out more

7th Energy Day organised by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control in Frankfurt (Main) – also via live stream

On 15 September 2026, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) will present updates on its energy funding programmes, legislative developments and practical solutions in industry, buildings and heating. Key topics include industrial electricity prices, the Building Modernisation Act and federal funding for efficient heat networks (BEW).  Find out more

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy launches hydrogen roadmap process

From hydrogen research towards market-ready products, services and processes – this is what the Federal Government seeks to achieve with its planned hydrogen roadmap. The aim is to strengthen innovation in a targeted way and harness synergies to support transfer into practice. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has now launched the process as part of the High-Tech Agenda Germany. Find out more

Funding competition under the ‘Federal funding for energy and resource efficiency in business’ (EEW) scheme: even greater chances of success in the fourth round

From 1 July, companies and energy consultants will be able to submit applications on behalf of their clients for investment measures to improve energy and resource efficiency under the ‘Federal funding for energy and resource efficiency in business’ (EEW) scheme. The funding competition is open to all economic sectors. Measured by the number of applications, up to 85% of applicants in each funding round may now be selected for funding, compared with a previous maximum of 80%. Find out more

New online portal: Funding Centre Germany

The online portal of the Funding Centre Germany (FZD) offers users many advantages, including the ability to save applications temporarily, process and manage multiple applications online, track application status and communicate fully digitally with BAFA. In future, decisions and other correspondence will generally be provided digitally. In addition to funding under the ‘Federal funding for efficient heat networks’ (BEW), funding under the ‘Federal funding for energy and resource efficiency in business’ (EEW) programme and the electric vehicle funding scheme may also be applied for. Find out more

National heating label to be abolished

The abolition is part of the Act to Reduce Bureaucracy in the Trade Regulation Code and the Energy Consumption Labelling Act. Key effects of the decision adopted on 11 June include the following: once it takes effect, district chimney sweeps will no longer be required to apply energy efficiency labels to heating systems more than 15 years old. The label had proven ineffective in encouraging boiler replacement. The measure is intended to relieve chimney sweeps of administrative duties and costs. Find out more

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