Kopernikus-Projekte: Home

The picture shows a device in which the synthesis process takes place. — © KIT/A. Bramsiepe

P2X: Breakthrough in synthesising kerosene

P2X researchers recently hit an important milestone: they have combined the highly efficient co-electrolysis process to synthesise sustainable aviation fuel on an industrial scale for the first time. This innovation reduces energy requirements while maximising CO₂ utilisation. The technology aims to enable the production of sustainable kerosene on a tonne scale. Read more here (in German).

The picture shows feet in red shoes standing on the edge of various paths represented by arrows painted on the ground that lead to destinations represented by different colours. — © WoGi – stock.adobe.com

Ariadne scenarios update: Investments and savings in balance

Germany strives for greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. According to Ariadne's new scenario update, this will require annual investments of 116 to 131 billion euros into renewable energies, grids, building refurbishment and the electrification of industry, heating and transport. However, the majority of these costs will be compensated by fossil fuel reductions. European integration is a key factor in minimising costs. The report provides the upcoming German government with valuable orientation for the Energy Transition. Read more here (in German).

The picture shows several young people sitting at a table in the sunshine and discussing with each other. — © www.peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com

P2X Summer Lab: Hands-on knowledge fresh from research

The application window for the P2X Summer Lab 2025 has opened! University students who are passionate about Power-to-X technologies and their role in the energy transition can now gather knowledge ‘fresh from research’ along with hands-on experience - completely free of charge too. If you want to seize this opportunity to strengthen your know-how and network, apply by 30 March. You can find out how to do this and more information here.

The picture shows the exterior façade of the DB Museum in Nuremberg, which is the next stop on the Power2Change travelling exhibition. — © DR Museum Nuremberg, Mike Beims

Power2Change: Touring exhibition continues!

Let the "Power2Change" success story keep going! The touring exhibition, whose content the Kopernikus projects have significantly contributed to, has been renewed for another two years and is also partnering the Science Year 2025. The eighth venue for the exhibition, which is currently being updated, will be the DB Museum in Nuremberg as of 29 May. Click here for more details (in German).

The picture on the far right shows a young man with a camera recording a scene of two people talking to each other on a roof under a blue sky. — © Rezmer/SynErgie

SynErgie: YouTuber draws attention to energy flexibilisation

The energy transition is in full swing: this positive message emerges from the video made by the successful YouTube channel "Doktor Whatson" in cooperation with SynErgie. As a guest of SynErgie partner Zott, Cedric Engels investigates which technologies are making the energy transition possible. Only four weeks online, this video has already had almost 100,000 views and more than 750 comments. You can watch it here.

The picture shows the hands and arms of two people sitting or standing at a table and pointing to details in documents, presumably talking about the contents. — ©Natee Meepian – stock.adobe.com

Kopernikus compares energy transition scenarios

Each of the four Kopernikus projects has its own scenarios for the respective component of the energy transition. The approaches and assumptions in the models focus on different sectors and vary accordingly. Nevertheless, common directional points are emerging for Germany if it wants to achieve its climate targets for 2045. The new scenario comparison (in German) reveals what these are.

The picture shows a pile of books arranged in such a way that there is a kind of peephole in the centre, revealing a view of further shelves of books, probably in a library. — ©Adrienne – stock.adobe.com

With search function: All Kopernikus publications at a glance

Seek and you shall find: The biblical saying now also applies to the publications of the Kopernikus projects. They are gathered in a searchable overview table - even with keyword search. The advantage is obvious: it is no longer necessary to search through the publications on the individual project pages. The publications are "business cards" for the progress and results of the Kopernikus projects. Those interested can find them here.

THE KOPERNIKUS PROJECTS WELCOME YOU!

Rethinking Germany’s energy system and finding answers to the challenges of the energy transition – that is the bold mission of the Kopernikus Projects. On these pages, you can learn more about the four main pillars of our work. The Kopernikus Projects make a vital contribution to helping Germany achieve its climate targets by 2045.

A note on recent developments: From the outset, the Kopernikus Projects have been funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In May 2025, this was renamed the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, abbreviated BMFTR. Older Kopernikus publications may still refer to the previous name – the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) – and may feature the former ministry’s funding logo. The funding context, however, remains unchanged.

THESE ARE THE KOPERNIKUS PROJECTS

Welcome to Ariadne!

A compass for navigating the energy transition

Discover how Ariadne supports, informs and critically reflects on political decision-making through a wealth of studies and analyses. Learn how the Transformation Tracker offers an instant overview of the energy transition’s current status – and why public attitudes play a crucial role in the project’s research. Learn more.

Welcome to ENSURE!

Thinking power grids for tomorrow’s energy system

Find out how ENSURE links laboratory capacities through real-time co-simulation, what advantages Europe’s largest simulation network for energy infrastructures offers, and how custom-developed algorithms help assess the condition of distribution grids and improve operational efficiency. Learn more.

Das Bild zeigt einen Wasser-Elektrolyseur zwischen zwei Windrädern. — Graphic: Kopernikus-Projekte/ Sapera

Welcome to P2X!

The post-fossil era of synthetic fuels and materials

Explore how researchers are accelerating hydrogen production by reducing the iridium content in PEM electrolysers, how the generation of standard-compliant fuels from water and CO₂ has made a significant leap forward, and what milestone the project sets for scaling up CO₂ electrolysis. Learn more.

Das Bild zeigt Mitarbeiter eines digitalen Umschaltwerks, die vor einer Wand mit Analysen diskutieren. — Graphic: Kopernikus-Projekte/ Sapera

Welcome to SynErgie!

Flexible industry for a stable energy supply

Find out what insights the Augsburg model region offers into the potential for making energy-intensive processes more flexible, how a dual-mode furnace helps balance fluctuations in electricity supply, and how digital applications are enabling factories to align their energy demand with real-time availability. Learn more.

THIS IS WORTH KNOWING

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