The image shows a still from the animated explainer video for the Kopernikus Projects on their whole.
Still: Sebastian Pfotenhauer on behalf of Kopernikus Projects 

New animated videos explain the Kopernikus Projects

The Kopernikus Projects are helping to shape Germany’s Energy Transition and move the country towards climate neutrality – a complex task that calls for explanation. To make their goals and methods more accessible, the consortium of science, industry and civil society has produced five animated explainer videos – now also available in English. The main video here introduces the overall programme; videos on the four pillars of Kopernikus are linked below and on the project pages.

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 a couple of young people exploring exhibits of the exhibition Power2Change.
© Power2Change/Uwe Niklas 

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 shows several young people standing in a group forming the participants of P2X Summer Lab
© P2X/WWF 

P2X Summer Lab: Fresh Perspectives for the Next Generation

Four days, countless ideas: At the WWF’s P2X Summer Workshop 2025, students from diverse disciplines explored the future of Power-to-X and hydrogen technologies, gaining deeper insights into current research. From the participants’ perspective, it’s clear: exchange, networking and fresh ways of thinking were key — and sparked plenty of eye-opening moments. More information (in German) here.

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 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

The image shows a still from the animated explainer video for the Kopernikus Project Ariadne.
Still: Sebastian Pfotenhauer on behalf of Kopernikus Projects

Welcome to Ariadne!

Guiding the way through the Energy Transition maze

Discover how Ariadne supports political decision-making with a wealth of studies and analyses – preparing, informing, and reflecting on key choices. Learn how the "Transformation Tracker" provides a clear snapshot of the current state of the energy transition, and why public attitudes are a crucial component in our research. For more: click here. Explore Ariadne in our explainer video.

The image shows a still from the animated explainer video for the Kopernikus Project ENSURE.
Still: Sebastian Pfotenhauer on behalf of Kopernikus Projects

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 purpose-built algorithms help assess the condition of distribution grids and improve operational management. For more, click here. Or watch the explainer video to learn more about ENSURE.

The image shows a still from the animated explainer video for the Kopernikus Project P2X.
Still: Sebastian Pfotenhauer on behalf of Kopernikus Projects

Welcome to P2X!

Towards a post-fossil era for chemicals and fuels

Discover how P2X is accelerating hydrogen production by significantly reducing iridium use in PEM electrolysers, how the project has advanced the creation of standard-compliant fuels from water and CO₂, and what milestone it sets for scaling up CO₂ electrolysis. For more, click here. Watch the explainer video to learn more about P2X.

The image shows a still from the animated explainer video for the Kopernikus Project SynErgie.
Still: Sebastian Pfotenhauer on behalf of Kopernikus Projects

Welcome to SynErgie!

Flexible industry for a stable energy supply

Explore how the model region of Augsburg is providing new insights into the flexibility of energy-intensive processes, how a dual-fuel furnace helps to balance fluctuations in electricity supply, and how digital tools enable factories to align their energy consumption with real-time availability. For more, click here. Watch the explainer video to learn more about SynErgie.

THIS IS WORTH KNOWING

Questions? Requests? Looking for specific information?

Maria Pakura
Public Relations, Kopernikus Projects
Kopernikus Office
Project Management Jülich (PtJ)

???? +49 2461 61 96481
✉️ m.pakura@ptj.de

I’ll be happy to help – in English, Spanish, German or on request and with limitations in French, Polish, Italian.