Sixteen Percent Renewable Share Accelerating German Energy Storage Segment

BERLIN, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - Germany's share of renewable energies in the electricity mix is over 16 percent and rapidly increasing, according to recent estimates. The growth of the fluctuating energy supply has created demand for innovative storage technology and has accelerated the development of hydrogen, battery, and smart grid technology in Germany. Germany Trade & Invest will have representative on hand to present opportunities in Germany's energy storage industry at this year's International Renewable Energy Storage conference from November 22 - 24 in Berlin.

At 14.6 GWp through August, Germany has the world's largest photovoltaic energy capacity that continues to grow. Germany also accounts for Europe's largest share of installed wind capacity at over 25 GW through 2009. Building on this foundation, Germany is developing an extensive framework for R&D and commercialization of energy storage technologies. The federal government expects renewable energies to account for 35 percent of Germany's electricity mix by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, which will require further investments in energy storage technology.

Jurgen Friedrich, Chief Executive of Germany Trade & Invest: "Germany has established the ideal prerequisites for the rapid development of the energy storage industry. The unique combination of renewable energy generation, innovation and implementation through demonstration projects makes Germany an optimal location for companies looking to enter this budding industry."

Currently public and private actors are cooperating in the development of energy storage technologies, especially in batteries, smart energy management and hydrogen and fuel cells. In hydrogen technology, Germany has more pilot projects than any other European country. The new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, which is slated to open in 2012, serves as a benchmark project. It will feature an integrated energy storage concept that includes a fueling station for green hydrogen serving both stationary and mobile applications.

In the field of smart grids, six model regions in Germany have been selected as part of a renewable energy technology competition. Each of these regions is applying an integrated approach that spans the value chain and covers all energy-relevant industrial and economic activities. These range from the approach to commercialization all the way down to core technical research and development. These six regions have access to EUR 140 million from the federal and regional governments for the period 2008-2012.

One focal point of the 6th Energy Research Program of the German government in 2011 will be energy storage, grid technology, and integration of renewable energies into the energy supply. One of the first steps is to develop and implement joint funding initiatives for grids and energy storage. Applied research in particular will be ramped up, given the objective of thoroughly modernizing Germany's energy supply in the coming years. At the same time, the expansion and networking of national research institutions is expected to increase. Foreign investors spanning the value chain can benefit from joint R&D efforts with international and national partners and thereby actively take part in innovation and gain important first-mover expertise.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

For further information:

Germany Trade & Invest
Robert Scheid
Email: [email protected]
T: [phone]
F: [phone]