The German Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) has recently integrated resource efficiency into its new energy research program, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource utilization in the transition to a climate-neutral energy system. The energy research program focuses on a number of energy technologies including heat pumps. The new directive highlights the need to improve resource and energy efficiency through methods such as extended product lifespans, reduction, reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing, and recycling. By balancing the energy content of products at the end of their lifecycle with the energy required for obtaining new raw materials, the program aims to minimize environmental and greenhouse gas impacts.

The BMWK’s strategic approach to the circular economy focuses on retaining the value of products, materials, and resources within the economy for as long as possible, aiming for zero waste and minimal emissions. This initiative also seeks to reduce dependencies on critical raw materials through efficient resource management. The program supports research and innovations in products like heat pumps that contribute to the sustainable transformation of the energy system, including the development of new technologies that reduce reliance on scarce raw materials, enhance system stability, resiliency and foster societal acceptance of technological advancements.

Additionally, the BMWK encourages international research collaborations to strengthen Germany’s position in the global energy landscape. By participating in initiatives like the IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes, national research efforts will align with broader European and international energy research strategies.

The inclusion of resource efficiency in the BMWK’s energy research program marks a significant step towards achieving a climate-neutral energy system by 2045. For more details, you can read the full description at BMWK’s website Förderbekanntmachung zur angewandten Energieforschung im Rahmen des 8. Energieforschungsprogramms