The catalogue of topics is being expanded. Besides topics on generating power from solar and geothermal energy, research projects are being added on biomass and solar fuel generation. The research on photovoltaics is continuing to follow the development of thin-layer solar cells to raise the efficiency level to as near as possible to its theoretical limits with the lowest possible input of material and energy. Solar-thermal power plants located in Earth’s sun belt could contribute substantially to the global generation of power as from around 2030. Commercial solar power plants have been built for several years now, however with conservative technological approaches. The successful market launch of newer technologies calls for further cost cuts.

The long-term aim is to provide solar fuels via thermal processes based on concentrating solar systems. The geological subsurface in Germany offers great potential for generating heat and power. Geothermal research pools the expertise and competencies of the participating centres to develop possible technological solutions. The feasibility and economic efficiencyof geothermal power generation is being studied in Groß Schönebeck.

In addition, research activities on producing energy from biomass will begin in the Renewable Energies Programme and will include biomass conversion and biogas production on a small technological scale. The close collaboration between the Helmholtz Centres and other research institutions opens the way to comprehensive research on the energetic usage of biomass in Germany.