18.06.2009 - 30.11.2010

Chemical Processes and Use of CO₂

Progress in climate research in recent years has enhanced our understanding of climate change in many areas. Success in the field of climate protection is closely linked with progress in technological research and development (R&D). The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has concentrated its funding strategy under the "Research for Sustainability" programme on encouraging key technologies, new products and innovative processes for converting today's society into a sustainable economy. Research funding will provide a contribution towards achieving the Federal Government's climate protection goals.

The funding regulations "Technologies for Sustainability and Climate Protection – Chemical Processes and Use of CO₂" are an element of the Federal Government's High-Tech Strategy in the innovative field of environmental technology and part of the Master Plan for Environmental Technologies, which was approved by the Cabinet on 12 November 2008 at the suggestion of the BMBF and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). The High-Tech Strategy (HTS) and the Master Plan for Environmental Technologies are interdepartmental initiatives for a research policy that looks ahead to the future. With this funding activity the BMBF is also following up proposals for future priority research areas in the national dialogue on climate protection under the High-Tech Strategy and the European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem).

Germany has set itself ambitious goals as the trailblazer for climate protection. By 2020 it intends to double its energy efficiency compared with 1990 levels and to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40%. These ambitious goals call for all stakeholders to intensify their R&D activities in all the relevant fields. The chemical industry will play a particularly important role in these efforts as a basic and horizontal industry. The chemical industry can provide an outstanding contribution to tackling the challenges of climate change with its research and innovative strength in many different sectors.

Climate research summits have been held in Hamburg and Berlin and the constructive dialogue has resulted in the introduction of approaches to research and development which promise significant technological breakthroughs. The field of chemical and industrial processes was identified as one innovative field of technology among others. The challenges facing climate protection should be seen as an opportunity for Germany to demonstrate its strength as a centre of research and innovation. The funding activity is therefore aimed at speeding up innovations and at strengthening cooperation between science and industry.

http://www.bmbf.de/foerderungen/13707.php