Energy technology in NRW

The responsible use of energy and raw materials is crucial in order to effectively counteract advancing climate change.

The industry dedicated to this task is energy technology: It encompasses innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable generation, storage, use and recycling of energy. The focus here is on the sustainable production of future-oriented technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal plants and biomass power plants for green electricity and heat. The industry is also active on a digital level, developing software solutions for companies that enable them to set and monitor decarbonization targets, among other things.

As a major energy and industrial state, NRW is making a significant contribution to the climate-friendly energy transition in Germany. Around one fifth of Germany's electricity is produced in NRW, which is also home to numerous SMEs and energy-intensive industries.

With its numerous energy technology companies, NRW plays a pioneering role in the industry. These include manufacturers of energy generation technologies, energy supply companies, battery manufacturers, energy efficiency companies, service providers for renewable energies, and technology companies for smart grids. They create a large number of new jobs, especially for skilled workers, and form synergies with scientific institutions. In addition, many energy technology startups have been spun off from universities and colleges in NRW. 

Traditional companies focus on energy technology

Global players and innovation drivers: Major companies in the sector from NRW are the driving force behind Germany's energy transition. They offer the experience and resources to implement and expand innovative technologies from research. 

Innovative and trend-setting: energy technology startups

The energy technology sector benefits from new ideas and the numerous startups in NRW. Ambitious founders create innovative technologies that can then be implemented in NRW's densely populated industrial landscape. 

Focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable production

Whether global players, hidden champions or ambitious startups, representatives of the energy technology sector are increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly and sustainable production processes. Areas of focus include the cement and lime industries, the foundry industry, and the development of simplified synthesis processes with lower CO2 emissions.

University and research landscape

Clusters & networks

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