RTI Focus Area: Energy Transition

As part of an impact-oriented innovation policy, the BMK sees the energy transition as a central focus within the research, technology, and innovation (RTI) sector. This integrative approach encompasses all relevant RTI fields – from digitalization and mobility to sustainable production – and combines them with an impact-oriented set of tools (funding & support measures) to drive the transformation forward.

Research, technology development, and innovation (RTI) are the starting points and success factors for a successful energy transition. They not only enable the development and integration of efficient and renewable energy technologies but also address the complex societal challenges that come with the transformation of our energy and economic systems.

Three Clear Goals The RTI focus "Energy Transition" pursues three clear goals, creating a strong link between short-term actions and long-term objectives with an impact-oriented mix of measures:

  1. Successful Energy Transition in Austria: The goal is to technologically enable and socially accelerate the energy transition to ensure a precise and secure process.
  2. Successful Austrian Players in Global Value Chains: Strengthening the innovation power and competence of Austrian RTI players to promote their integration into international value and supply chains.
  3. Future Competence in the RTI System: Enabling RTI players to anticipate and act on future developments in the field of energy innovation.

Focus Topics of the Energy Transition Several research topics of particular importance have been identified as part of the RTI focus "Energy Transition." These include advanced energy generation and storage technologies, the use and development of hydrogen technologies as a clean energy source, the design of flexible and integrated energy systems, the digital transformation to optimize energy flows and management, and the increase of energy efficiency in application and conversion. These research topics form the basis for targeted research and innovation efforts to ensure a sustainable, reliable, and efficient energy supply.

  • Energy Generation and Storage Technologies, Including Production Processes and Materials: This area focuses on the integration and further development of renewable energy technologies essential for a sustainable energy future. The challenges and potentials in production, efficiency improvement, and circular economy are in the foreground.
  • Hydrogen, Renewable Gases, and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS): Hydrogen technologies and CCUS play a key role in achieving climate goals. They enable sustainable energy supply and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Efficiency improvements and the development of market models are crucial.
  • System Design and Operation of Flexible, Integrated Energy Systems: The design of efficient and resilient energy systems that can integrate various energy sources is of central importance. Innovations in system control and optimization support reliable supply.
  • Digital Transformation for the Energy Transition: Digital technologies offer new possibilities for controlling and optimizing the energy system. They improve energy efficiency and support the integration of renewable energies.
  • Efficient Energy Application and Conversion: Energy efficiency is a central aspect of the energy transition. Innovations in energy application and conversion contribute to reducing overall energy demand and promoting sustainable use of resources.

For more and up-to-date information, reports, studies, and much more, visit: Energy Transition - open4innovation