Today Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel highlighted the importance of research and development for a sustainable energy supply. "Solar cells and wind power plants made in Germany hold a top position on the global technology market. We have to secure this position and extend the lead so that we will remain competitive in future", Minister Gabriel underlined this afternoon at the annual session of the German research association for solar energy in Berlin.
In his speech to around 350 participants Gabriel pointed out that it was important to pursue the concepts of both renewable energies and energy efficiency. With this twin-track strategy the Federal Environment Ministry wants to tackle climate change and increasing energy prices. "The main objective of research support is to continuously and considerably lower the costs of renewable energies through technological innovations", Minster Gabriel said.
By presenting new calls for proposals the Federal Environment Ministry is setting new priorities for research support in the renewables sector. Combining the further development of renewable energies with savings technologies is to be emphasised more strongly. Furthermore, greater focus will be placed on the optimisation of energy supply systems and the further development of storage technologies. In addition to electricity generation, heat generation will gain importance. It is also planned to provide some support to new and promising technologies with a high potential for innovation. Finally support is also intended for international projects and technologies for export.
The calls for proposals were published in the Federal Gazette No 179 on 21 September 2006.