BMWE launches new funding calls for transparent energy system analyses and climate-friendly energy districts

28.05.2026

Source: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has published two new calls for funding as part of the 8th Energy Research Program.

With the "MODEX-2" funding program and the "1st Innovation Competition for Energy Districts", the ministry aims to increase transparency in energy system analysis and promote innovative solutions for climate-friendly districts.

With the call for funding "Model comparisons to increase transparency in energy system analysis (MODEX-2)", the BMWE is focusing on greater transparency and practical relevance in energy system research. Funding is provided for interdisciplinary joint projects that compare different energy system models, analyze uncertainties and prepare model results in an understandable way. The aim is to make the significance of energy system analyses more transparent for politics, business and the public. Project outlines can be submitted until August 31, 2026.

At the same time, the Ministry is launching the "1st Energy Neighborhoods Innovation Competition". The competition is looking for innovative concepts for the climate-friendly and resilient transformation of existing districts. The focus is predominantly on residential quarters in which energy supply, architecture, economic efficiency and social aspects are considered holistically. The competition is divided into three phases - DESIGN, BUILD and OPERATE - and accompanies projects from concept development through to actual operation.

In the DESIGN phase, up to ten joint projects can be funded with up to one million euros each. The best concepts then qualify for the BUILD and OPERATE phases with further funding. Among other things, the degree of innovation, climate impact, feasibility and transfer potential will be assessed. The deadline for submitting project outlines is October 2, 2026.

With both calls for funding, the BMWE is pursuing the goal of transferring research results into practice more quickly and at the same time creating a reliable basis for decision-making for the energy transition. The aim is to strengthen both scientific transparency and concrete implementation projects for climate-friendly energy systems.

Further information can also be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy