The energy system is one of the most complex systems worldwide, influenced and shaped by various political, economic, and environmental factors. For example, the recent Russian-Ukrainian conflict caused a global energy crisis, which prompted European countries, particularly Germany, to focus on transitioning to renewable energy, which is also environmentally friendly.
In this context, the German Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection issued a report in June 2023 titled “Funding Energy Transition Research.” This report outlines the country’s energy transition strategy by identifying the reasons behind the shift, new sources of energy, and efforts being made in this field, with practical examples illustrating this transformation.
Main Objectives
The report outlines the ministry’s goals in encouraging and funding research and projects that facilitate the shift to clean energy. This is aimed at reducing emissions, conserving resources, and protecting biodiversity. Given the global challenges affecting the supply of non-renewable energy domestically, the report highlights key sectors that significantly contribute to the consumption of non-renewable energy, such as:
1) The Housing Sector: This sector is responsible for around 40% of Germany’s carbon dioxide emissions, as heating and cooling systems consume about 52% of the country’s energy. This energy is often generated from fossil fuels, resulting in environmental pollution. Notably, about half of the homes in Germany are located in multi-apartment buildings, many of which were built before the first thermal protection regulation was issued in 1979, when there was no planning to reduce the fossil fuel required for heating.
This led to the idea of initiating energy-saving measures in the housing sector and developing new environmentally friendly energy systems. In this regard, the initiative (LowEx System) was launched, targeting the development of new clean energy methods between 2016 and 2022 with a budget of 4.5 million euros. The ministry collaborated with research organizations and several companies to provide safe and eco-friendly alternatives for energy generation. One such method is the introduction of heat pump systems to provide heating for buildings, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50%.
2) The Trade, Industry, and Services Sectors: These sectors consume approximately 45% of Germany’s energy. The need for heating or cooling in industrial processes and electricity generation represents the highest energy consumption within these sectors. Although technological advancements have coincided with the expansion of trade, industry, and services, leading to more efficient energy use, the environmental goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions have not been fully realized. This is largely because natural gas is still heavily relied upon, especially in the industrial sector. To reduce emissions, there must be a swift shift towards clean energy sources, such as using green hydrogen for energy production.
One of the most important initiatives launched to achieve energy goals in this sector is the (Copper Nikos Project), which aims to synchronize the energy needs of German industry with the fluctuating energy supply, a concept known as “energy flexibility.” This initiative seeks to form partnerships among representatives from various economic, scientific, and civil sectors to explain, market, and implement energy flexibility strategies. These strategies are accompanied by studies to monitor and manage energy distribution in the industry. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies for the optimal use of energy and minimize waste in resource-intensive sectors like glass, paper, and metals production.
Energy Strategies:
The German Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection has adopted two integrated strategies to ensure the energy required across all sectors:
- First Strategy: Using New Methods for Clean Energy Generation
This strategy encompasses several key areas, the most important of which are:
Solar Energy: In April 2022, the German ministry published a draft discussing the importance of and ways to expand the production of electricity through the gradual use of clean energy, aiming for near-complete reliance on this energy by 2035. One of the pivotal sources highlighted in this draft is solar energy, which involves using photovoltaic panels in sun-exposed areas to convert the absorbed energy into electricity. The ministry’s report indicated that this transition would involve increasing the availability and use of more photovoltaic panels, integrating them into building facades, and utilizing them in suitable agricultural and aquatic areas. It also emphasized supporting studies and research that would contribute to implementing this strategy. In 2022, the German Ministries of Economy and Climate Protection, along with the Ministry of Education and Research, funded 478 ongoing solar energy projects with approximately 70.14 million euros. Moreover, they approved 105 new research projects that same year.
Wind Energy: Wind energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources already in use to generate electricity. Wind turbines located on land or at sea are used to produce electricity, and wind is currently the primary source of electricity production in Germany. In fact, it has surpassed coal usage, contributing around 25.9% of electricity production, which amounts to over 125 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in the past year, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. Despite the current utilization of wind energy in Germany, significant efforts and studies are being conducted to achieve optimal use of this energy. This includes increasing the production capacity of existing stations, expanding the construction of new ones, improving the quality of generators and turbines, and it is worth mentioning that, according to studies, wind energy enjoys public support in terms of clean energy transition.
Biomass Energy: Biomass energy currently represents two-thirds of renewable energy production in Germany. It refers to the use of various organic materials or biomass, such as wood, manure, and agricultural waste, to produce electricity and heat. Although this energy source can lead to harmful emissions, they are less harmful than those from non-renewable energy sources. Thus, efforts are being made to enhance research aimed at increasing the efficiency of biomass use and reducing harmful emissions.
Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is a crucial and clean source for providing heating and cooling systems in residential buildings and industrial facilities. This energy is harnessed by creating geothermal wells to collect energy and then using it in heating systems via specially designed heat pumps. Current efforts focus on promoting the use of geothermal energy, adopting new technologies that reduce associated costs, and increasing public awareness and acceptance of this energy.
Second Strategy: Reforming Deficiencies and Efficient Use of Non-Renewable Energy Sources
The Ministry of Economy announced that reforming the electricity grid infrastructure and restructuring it is indispensable. In the past, electricity was transmitted over short distances from power plants to nearby industrial facilities and buildings. Currently, the transmission paths have become longer and more complex. For example, electricity must now be transmitted from wind turbines in the northern regions to densely populated areas in the south and west. Therefore, efforts are being made to reform the infrastructure, provide the necessary technology to optimize the use of these networks, and avoid energy waste.
International Cooperation:
The German Ministry of Economy’s report emphasized the importance of European and global cooperation in the energy transition to benefit from all possible expertise and experiences. Key initiatives include:
At the European Level: Germany has been an active participant in initiatives aimed at developing European research and science systems for over 20 years. This role became more pronounced when Germany assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2020, resulting in the launch of the “Horizon Europe” initiative in 2021. This initiative aims to increase funding for scientific research and development in Europe, particularly in the energy sector. According to the fifth clause of the initiative, a budget of 15 million euros has been allocated to facilitate and accelerate clean energy use, digital transformation, and related economic and societal changes. Germany has participated in 97 projects under this initiative, with German stakeholders representing 70.8% of all energy sector collaboration projects within “Horizon Europe.” Additionally, Germany took the lead in coordinating 11 projects. Germany’s contribution to the initiative ranks second only to Spain, with these projects focusing on experimental and applied research in renewable energy, including wind, geothermal, solar, and biomass energy. They also emphasize the maintenance and repair of energy supply networks and infrastructure.
At the Global Level: Germany has forged partnerships with various countries, including Namibia, which has a promising future in using green hydrogen. Namibia aims to produce hydrogen and its derivatives, such as methane, ammonia, and methanol, which are currently among the most sustainable, environmentally friendly clean energy sources. Namibia plans to begin exporting green hydrogen before 2025, and Germany is assisting by providing grants and pilot projects in this field. A long-term partnership between the European Commission and the African continent was established in 2021 for research and innovation in renewable energy, with Germany participating in funding eight projects under the initiative.
Conclusion:
The Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection stresses the importance of continuing efforts for a rapid transition to clean energy, as it plays a vital role in protecting the ecosystem and is considered an inexhaustible energy source.
source; Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, Forschungsförderung für die Energiewende, Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz, June, 2023.
