The ‘Renewable Energy and Photovoltaics’ technology field spans the entire supply chain; from research and development to sales and production. There is an emphasis on thin-film photovoltaics, fuel cell development and analysis, the production of hydrogen and energy storage technology. Companies such as Autarsys, Graforce Hydro, SENTECH Instruments or Home Power Solutions (HPS) are already benefitting from the unique blend of innovative technology, top-level research and economic promotion.

The leading research institutes for energy technology located at Adlershof are the Helmholtz Centre Berlin (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, HZB) with the Centre of Excellence for Thin-film and Nanotechnology for Photovoltaics (Kompetenzzentrum Dünnschicht- und Nanotechnologie für Photovoltaik, PVcomB), the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung, IKZ), the Institute for Analytical Science (ISAS), the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, BAM), the German Association for Non-destructive Testing (Deutsche Gesellschaft für zerstörungsfreie Prüfung, DGzfP) and the National Metrology Institute (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, PTB).

Covering a 420 hectare area, Adlershof is one of the largest inner city development zones in Europe. Due to the increasing concentration of high tech and scientific institutes and businesses in the area, its energy needs are likely to double by 2020. The HighTech – LowEx project aims to lower primary energy consumption by 30% compared to conventional energy use, by improving and linking buildings and facilities, using waste heat and open heat grids, and introducing intelligent supply mains and renewable energies.

The project is being carried out by BTB, TU Berlin, and managed by WISTA Management GmbH. It is supported by Berlin’s Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment. You can find further information here.