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© BMBF/thyssenkrupp Marine Systems

Marine, climate and sustainability research

Research for sustainability is key to innovation in vital future fields. Investments in the necessary technologies (‘clean technologies/cleantech’) deliver ecological, economic and social benefits. Innovations in sustainable land and ocean use, climate protection and adaptation, clean and secure energy, a climate-neutral, circular economy and resilient cities and regions lay the foundations for a future-proof model of prosperity and help tackle geostrategic challenges. Given the rise in hybrid threats, technological solutions for securing maritime infrastructures and sea routes have become increasingly important. Research and innovative marine technology companies play a key role in enhancing protection levels. Research into ‘clean technologies’ drives the development of key technologies – such as in biotechnology, climate-neutral energy generation and climate-neutral mobility – while applying them in line with the objectives outlined above. Other important fields of technology (‘green technologies of the future’) include recycling, water and wastewater technologies, decarbonised industrial technologies and plants, CO2 capture, storage and utilisation, CO2 removal and other environmental and agrifood technologies. Technological leadership in these areas offers major advantages in the global competition for innovation and in potential key future markets. For example, estimates by the Boston Consulting Group and the German Association for Negative Emissions (DVNE) suggest that Germany could develop a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) industry worth EUR 70 billion a year by 2050, creating between 95,000 and 190,000 jobs. For the European hydrogen economy alone, the European Commission estimates an investment demand of nearly EUR 500 billion over the next 25 years. Europe is a driving force in the development of clean technologies and Germany plays a leading role; we aim to expand and capitalise on this position. The cleantech market is highly dynamic, with rapidly growing global investment and considerable potential. One priority is the realisation of previously unattainable applications from basic research that rethink existing value chains and make a tangible contribution to sustainability. Europe is a driving force in developing clean technologies, and Germany plays a pioneering role – we aim to expand and capitalise on this position. The cleantech market is highly dynamic, with rapidly growing global investment and considerable potential. One focus is on realising previously unattainable applications from basic research that rethink existing value chains and make a tangible contribution to sustainability.

Selected technology-driven projects

  • We are laying the foundations for new economic momentum through efficient technologies for negative emissions (carbon dioxide removal) and climate neutrality, while strengthening innovations for decarbonisation in industry and SMEs. The aim is to further consolidate Germany’s leading position in this field 

  • We are expanding research, technology and innovation funding in the circular economy lead market. We will leverage digitalisation in the cleantech sector with the aim of boosting export opportunities for domestic industry, especially SMEs, and enhancing security of supply in this growth market. From the end of 2025, we will fund flagship projects from academia and industry that develop digital technologies and business models to make products and services circular, extending their lifespan and reuse. 

  • We are modernising Germany’s research fleet. Modern research vessels are essential platforms for transfer-focused climate and biodiversity research on our seas and oceans. They also serve as high-tech platforms for testing new technologies. 

  • We are expanding application-focused, internationally leading research capabilities and infrastructures in sustainable natural climate protection for climate-relevant ecosystems such as forests, peatlands and coasts. This will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the land use sector, strengthen water balance and biodiversity and also create new value chains. 

  • We support the energy transition in the fisheries sector. We will support the development and construction of demonstration ‘fishing vessels of the future’ powered by alternative energy sources and designed for multifunctional use, thus creating new income opportunities for fishers in the blue economy. 

  • We are securing the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM) with long-term funding in cooperation with the northern German Länder. In research missions, we examine the potential of marine carbon dioxide reservoirs, the impacts and adaptation strategies for extreme marine events on the coasts and options for protecting the North Sea and Baltic Sea through sustainable use of these ecosystems.