Call for innovation on water-energy nexus
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding projects on the water-energy nexus with a new call for proposals. The aim is to to significantly improve water and energy efficiency and strengthen the synergies between the two sectors. International partners are also encouraged to get involved.
Water and energy are closely connected: Water is essential for energy production and conversely, large amounts of energy are required to provide and treat water. However, investments in infrastructure and future technologies generally do not take into account the manifold interdependencies between the two areas - the so-called water-energy nexus.
With its new research initiative "Water-Energy-Nexus" (WENex), the BMBF explicitly takes up the nexus approach.The aim is to create synergies between the water and energy sectors through technological innovations, new concepts and business models. For example, funding will be provided for joint projects to conserve water in the energy sector and reduce energy demand for water supply and wastewater treatment, to use alternative water resources (e.g. water reuse, closed water cycles) in the energy sector, and to store surplus renewable energy in the water sector.
The solutions developed must have a clear practical relevance and be tested at a pilot site during the project period. International partners may be involved if they offer significant added value to the project. Project funding is limited to a maximum of three years.
Project proposals can be submitted to the responsible Project Management Agency Karlsruhe (PTKA) until September 30, 2025. The call text is available in German and can be found here. Further information and documents are available on the PTKA website.