Latest news about renewable energies and photovoltaics research
A proving ground for pioneers
Researchers and developers at the Adlershof Technology Park are still making history in the aviation and aerospace sector:
The aviation pioneer Melli Beese died a century ago. In the very place that she once helped shape, researchers and developers are still making history in the aviation and aerospace sector—with excellent technologies…
Energy-efficient renovation of your own home
Research project shows need for information and helps with online guide:
It is difficult for homeowners to get an overview of the topic of energy-efficient building renovation. There is a lack of information, especially with regard to suitable heating technologies, subsidy conditions and…
Flexibility could reduce electricity generation from gas-fired power plants by up to 45 percent by 2045
Analysis by BUND and Gaswende with calculations by RLI shows advantages of flexibility in the energy system:
The German government is currently pushing ahead with the construction of new climate-damaging gas-fired power plants as part of its power plant strategy. A new analysis by the organizations Bund für Umwelt und…
Bright prospects for tin perovskite solar cells
Tin-based perovskites promise enormous potential for the production of environmentally friendly, stable solar cells:
Perovskite solar cells are widely regarded as the next generation photovoltaic technology. However, they are not yet stable enough in the long term for widespread commercial use. One reason for this is migrating ions,…
Joint Kyiv Energy and Climate Lab goes live
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy establish joint centre for research and education:
The Academic Council of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy approved the establishment of KECLab - the Kyiv Energy and Climate Lab. KECLab is designed to become a modern, internationally connected energy…
Peat as a sustainable precursor for fuel cell catalyst materials
Research at BESSY II for more economical and sustainable energy production:
Iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts have the potential to replace the more expensive platinum catalysts currently used in fuel cells. This is shown by a study conducted by researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin…
How can a successful transformation of the heat supply be achieved?
RLI is part of a research project on climate-neutral development of the heating and electricity sector in Birkenwerder and Hohen Neuendorf:
How can the Brandenburg municipalities of Birkenwerder and Hohen Neuendorf supply themselves with climate-neutral heat using renewable energies? What impact will this have on the power grid? What measures are…
Helmholtz Investigator Group on magnons
Dr Hebatalla Elnaggar wants to create the foundations for a new extremely efficient information technology:
Dr Hebatalla Elnaggar is setting up a new Helmholtz Investigator Group at HZB. At BESSY II, the materials scientist will investigate so-called magnons in magnetic perovskite thin films. The aim is to lay the…
Successful tests on underground heat storage in Berlin-Adlershof
Preliminary investigations by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences for Berlin's largest heat storage facility have been completed:
Energy storage is an essential component of a secure, resilient and renewable energy supply. In order to balance supply and demand in the field of renewable heat supply, large heat storage facilities are needed, for…
In Memoriam Klaus Thiessen
Optoelectronics specialist and solar energy pioneer:
Professor Klaus Thiessen passed away on 3 July 2025 at the age of nearly 98. The internationally recognised expert in optoelectronics remained a committed bridge-builder between science, industry, and society well…
Long-term stability for perovskite solar cells: a big step forward
A Teflon-like layer ensures exceptional stability and consistent efficiency:
Perovskite solar cells are inexpensive to produce and generate a high amount of electric power per surface area. However, they are not yet stable enough, losing efficiency more rapidly than the silicon market…
Electromobility: Saving costs and facilitating the energy transition through bidirectional charging
Analysis by the Reiner Lemoine Institute published on behalf of the Agora Verkehrswende think tank:
Feeding electricity from vehicle batteries into the grid can be financially worthwhile for users of e-cars and at the same time serve the electricity sector. This is illustrated by an analysis by the think tank Agora…
Electrocatalysis with dual functionality – an overview
Synchrotron sources provide insights into complex reactions and can thus help in the development of hybrid electrolysers:
Hybrid electrocatalysts can produce green hydrogen, for example, and valuable organic compounds simultaneously. This promises economically viable applications. However, the complex catalytic reactions involved in…
Perovskite solar cells from Germany are competing with China’s PV technology
Kevin J. Prince and Siddhartha Garud receive HZB 2025 Technology Transfer Award:
Photovoltaics is the leading technology in the transition to clean energy. However, traditional silicon-based solar technology has reached its efficiency limit. Therefore, a HZB-team has developed a perovskite-based…
How supermarket parking lots help the energy supply in Berlin
Research project shows innovative solutions for electromobility:
Supermarket parking lots can help reduce the need for expansion of charging infrastructure in public spaces in Berlin by up to 17 percent. In the Retail4Multi-Use project, scientists from the Reiner Lemoine Institute…