Innovation is energy

… directly links to the Paris climate goals to initiate a transition to a greenhouse gas-neutral energy and construction sector. North Rhine-Westphalia's task will be to promote and implement innovations across the board that realize the climate-friendly transformation process of the energy and construction industries, taking into account social tensions and security of supply. The scope of this innovation field for the energy transition ranges from expanding and implementing existing climate-neutral solutions to cutting-edge research into new energy sources. At the same time, North Rhine-Westphalia is also aware of the challenges facing the construction sector and intends to provide separate support for this area, in addition to its numerous overlaps with production topics involving new materials and the environment, including a sustainable circular economy.

The energytransition is a major technological, social, and economic challenge. Driven by the urgent need to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality, sustainable energy sources in the electricity, heating, and mobility sectors must be explored and successfully deployed. While introducing sustainable energy systems based on renewable energies, energy efficiency, and smart grids, security of supply must still be guaranteed. Such a sustainable system will also require the integration of digital systems to ensure real-time adjustment of supply and demand and to promote system-compatible sector coupling. Furthermore, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is focusing on new technologies, such as hydrogen and synthetic energy carriers, which will play a crucial role. With this broad focus on energy research and the implementation of innovative applications and business models, NRW aims to become a leading innovation center for energy and climate protection.

The innovative construction of the future is resource-efficient, circular, and environmentally friendly. Buildings will be energy-efficient and resource-saving throughout their entire life cycle. This means durability, the reusability of buildings and building components, and a focus on their recyclability. Innovations in the construction sector are not only technological in nature. They also include the use of digitalization in building technology and planning processes (digital twins), as well as the use of innovative materials and techniques to make buildings more cost-effective, resource-saving, and climate-friendly.

North Rhine-Westphalia's goal of becoming one of the world's most innovative and climate-friendly industrial locations also requires a major transformation of the energy sector. Therefore, North Rhine-Westphalia actively supports innovation projects researching technologies, new business models, and their economic application in the context of the energy and construction industries.