The future of energy: recommendations from science to politics
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Experts from HZB have contributed their expertise to the position papers briefly presented here. The topics include the development of innovative materials for a sustainable energy supply and the circular economy. Experts from different areas have jointly formulated solutions and recommendations for action.
Opportunities and challenges for the further development of energy research funding
This impulse paper was written by the advisory board for the energy research programme for applied energy research. This advisory board has the task of advising the Federal Government's Energy Ministry on the development of energy research funding and transfer. In the paper, the members from industry and research emphasise specific areas for action and make suggestions. For example: "We recommend that research and industrial policy objectives be more closely interlinked and addressed in suitable programmes. This includes agile project formats, which are particularly attractive for start-ups, as well as large programme lines in which consortia of companies cooperate with scientific institutions along value chains through to application."
To the position paper (Ger) >
Press release of the Federal ministry of economic affairs and climate action >
Innovative materials: the key to an affordable, safe and sustainable energy supply
This report was written by the Helmholtz Energy research field. It provides an overview of the development of innovative materials for sustainable energy systems and recommendations for action to politicans: the contents include the promotion of multidisciplinary research projects, investment in modern research infrastructures and the strengthening of industrial competitiveness as well as the creation of an innovation-friendly regulatory environment.
To the position paper (Ger) >
Circular economy as the basis for a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials and energy
This position paper was also written by Helmholtz Energy and emphasises the need for a sustainable circular economy to protect planetary resources and the environment, reduce dependence on imports and secure energy supplies.
To the position papier (Ger) >
Building a resilient solar industry
This position paper has been formulated by the German solar research and industry and contains strategic
recommendations for strengthening the solar industry and the energy transition.
To the position paper (Ger) >
- Susanne Nies appointed to EU advisory group on Green DealDr. Susanne Nies heads the Green Deal Ukraina project at HZB, which aims to support the development of a sustainable energy system in Ukraine. The energy expert has now also been appointed to the European Commission's scientific advisory group to comment on regulatory burdens in connection with the net-zero target (DG GROW).
- The future of corals – what X-rays can tell usThis summer, it was all over the media. Driven by the climate crisis, the oceans have now also passed a critical point, the absorption of CO2 is making the oceans increasingly acidic. The shells of certain sea snails are already showing the first signs of damage. But also the skeleton structures of coral reefs are deteriorating in more acidic conditions. This is especially concerning given that corals are already suffering from marine heatwaves and pollution, which are leading to bleaching and finally to the death of entire reefs worldwide. But how exactly does ocean acidification affect reef structures?
Prof. Dr. Tali Mass, a marine biologist from the University of Haifa, Israel, is an expert on stony corals. Together with Prof. Dr. Paul Zaslansky, X-ray imaging expert from Charité Berlin, she investigated at BESSY II the skeleton formation in baby corals, raised under different pH conditions. Antonia Rötger spoke online with the two experts about the results of their recent study and the future of coral reefs.
- Long-term stability for perovskite solar cells: a big step forwardPerovskite solar cells are inexpensive to produce and generate a high amount of electric power per surface area. However, they are not yet stable enough, losing efficiency more rapidly than the silicon market standard. Now, an international team led by Prof. Dr. Antonio Abate has dramatically increased their stability by applying a novel coating to the interface between the surface of the perovskite and the top contact layer. This has even boosted efficiency to almost 27%, which represents the state-of-the-art. After 1,200 hours of continuous operation under standard illumination, no decrease in efficiency was observed. The study involved research teams from China, Italy, Switzerland and Germany and has been published in Nature Photonics.