The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has integrated the "Living labs of the energy transition" funding format into the funding announcement for applied energy research published in May 2024. It is thus part of the 8th Energy Research Programme. With this concept, the BMWK continues to establish the living labs of the energy transition as an integral part of energy research funding.

The living labs of the energy transition are innovation projects on an industrial scale and in a real-life environment. Based on the experience gained from the first implementation phase, the BMWK has further developed the funding concept for the living labs. On this basis, the BMWK intends to stabilise the successful funding format.

The living labs of the energy transition may address all aspects of the BMWK's current funding announcement (German only) for the 8th Energy Research Programme. They can relate to the programme objectives of the mission "Heat transition 2045" (accelerating the transition to climate-neutral and efficient heating and cooling) and/or the mission "Electricity transition 2045" (innovations for a secure, climate-neutral and affordable electricity supply from renewable energies). They can therefore target energy generation, energy utilisation and efficiency, the further development of infrastructure or a combination of these areas. Programme objectives of the mission "Energy System 2045" are of a fundamental nature and must be taken into account in an appropriate manner.

The living labs of the energy transition are specifically aimed at the energy sector, energy-intensive industry and the housing sector. With this funding format, the BMWK wants to promote alliances led by an industrial partner or a user. The consortia can be supplemented by scientific expertise from research institutions.