Visible, tangible, understandable

Editorial by Hermann Falk, Management director German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE)

If we want to stop global warming effectively, we’ll need a completely renewable energy supply in the next twenty to thirty years at the latest. The challenges are huge. First, we must accelerate the energy transition by transforming our present energy supply into a fast and sustainable system. One important pillar is the energy efficient reorganisation of our living and working environments.

This opens ups new opportunities – especially for Adlershof. This science city is home to more than fifty renowned research institutes and innovative enterprises in the energy field, covering virtually all aspects. Here, companies are busy at work on inventing innovative storage solutions, providing energy services, or designing new heating and cooling systems. Adlershof offers state of the art energy supply. Last but not least, there is information and communications technology, which is assigned a key role in the energy sector. The location also boasts an impressive research and development portfolio for tapping into renewable energies. For instance, scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin are researching into new photovoltaic materials and technologies for generating hydrogen from excess electricity.

The goal is to bundle all of these components. Together with all local players and external partners, Adlershof is planning to become a location testifying to the success of the energy transition: visible, tangible, understandable. The framework is provided by the BMWi funded project “Energy Strategy Berlin-Adlershof 2020”, which also supplies the key ideas.

By advancing beyond the horizon, Adlershof is seeking a close alliance with neighbouring regions and other city districts like Schöneweide and the future BER airport. The location thereby further strengthens renewable energies as a driving force for industry and small and medium enterprises to the profit of both economy and climate.