Solar TAP contributes to discussions at the Helmholtz Energy Parliamentary Evening in Berlin.
On 4 March 2026, representatives from science, industry and politics gathered in Berlin for the Parliamentary Evening “Energy Research and Innovation for Germany’s Economic Strength.” The event, hosted at BASECAMP, focused on the role of energy research and innovation in strengthening Germany’s competitiveness and advancing the transition to a sustainable energy system.
Germany faces the challenge of achieving climate neutrality, energy security and economic competitiveness at the same time. Energy research plays a key role in connecting these objectives and accelerating the transfer of innovative technologies into industrial applications.
Exchange between research, industry and policy
The evening began with opening remarks and keynote impulses moderated by Prof. Dr. Bernd Rech (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin). Speakers included Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach (Member of the German Bundestag), Prof. Dr. Martin Keller (President of the Helmholtz Association), Prof. Dr. Jan S. Hesthaven (Vice President of the Helmholtz Research Field Energy) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Thiemann (Senior Vice President Energy Transition Technologies, Siemens Energy).
Following the opening session, participants continued the discussions at the Energy Research Marketplace, an interactive format designed to foster dialogue and exchange. At thematic tables, representatives from science and industry presented examples of collaboration and discussed current challenges and opportunities for the energy transition.
Solar TAP perspectives on innovative materials for energy technologies
One of the discussion tables focused on “Innovative Materials for Photovoltaics and Batteries.”
Here, Prof. Christoph Brabec (Forschungszentrum Jülich), member of the Solar TAP Steering Committee, and Tobias Stubhahn (SCIPRIOS GmbH), member of the Solar TAP Network Board, contributed to the discussion on advanced materials and their role in next-generation energy technologies.
Their participation highlighted the importance of close collaboration between research institutions and industrial partners to accelerate the development and implementation of new materials and technologies in the field of photovoltaics and energy storage.
Strengthening innovation through collaboration
The event demonstrated the value of open dialogue between science, industry and policymakers. By bringing together expertise from different sectors, such formats help identify pathways for strengthening technological leadership and advancing innovation in the energy sector.
Solar TAP supports this exchange by fostering collaboration between research and industry partners working on next-generation photovoltaic technologies and materials, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions.