Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Climate | Energy, Chemicals

Advanced materials for the energy transition

Study to survey the state of knowledge and technology on the application of advanced materials in the various technologies for the production and storage of renewable energies

The report describes the state of knowledge and technology on current and future applications of advanced materials in the various technologies to support the energy transition. Based on a literature review, a systematic overview of applications of advanced materials for the generation, saving, storage and transportation of renewable energies and energy sources is presented. In addition, based on...read more

Climate | Energy

Ambitious GHG mitigation opportunities and challenges in the agriculture sector

Analysis of sustainable potentials in selected countries

Climate change is a major threat to ecosystems and livelihoods, requiring urgent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Food systems, including crop and livestock production, contribute significantly to global emissions. Monocultures and intense farming worsen biodiversity loss, pollution, and water stress. Transitioning to plant-based diets and adopting better farming practices is essential to meet th...read more

Climate | Energy, Transport

Policy incentives for the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs)

Chain-of-custody approaches, administrative requirements and their impact

Aviation contributes approximately 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. When non-CO2 effects are taken into account, its overall climate impact is even higher. To mitigate these emissions, the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is crucial. SAF, produced from sustainable feedstocks, can significantly reduce life-cycle emissions compared to fossil kerosene. Despite policies promoting SAF uptake, their...read more

Climate | Energy, Economy | Consumption

National Ordinance on Measures to Avoid Carbon Leakage in the National Fuel Emissions Trading System' (BEHG Carbon Leakage Ordinance, BECV)

Evaluation Progress Report

According to the approval under state aid law of the Carbon Leakage Ordinance of the Fuel Emission Trading Act (BECV) by the European Commission (State Aid SA.63191 (2023/N)), a comprehensive evaluation of the regulation is required by 2028. The aim of this evaluation is to examine the effectiveness of the BECV in terms of avoiding carbon leakage while maintaining competitiveness, promoting invest...read more

Climate | Energy, Chemicals, Soil | Land, Agriculture, Water

Urease- and nitrification inhibitors for climate and environmental protection: opportunity or risk?

Urease and nitrification inhibitors are used in agriculture to reduce ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions and the leaching of nitrate. However, the risks of inhibitors for human health and the environment have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Also, the specific effectiveness of different urease and nitrification inhibitors has not yet been sufficiently clarified. These uncertainties have so...read more

Climate | Energy, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters, Digitalisation

Carbon leakage in AI-driven data center growth?

An assessment of drivers and barriers to the localization of data center operations and investments with respect to carbon pricing policies

This study offers a comprehensive first assessment of the global carbon leakage potential associated with AI-driven data center operation and investment. The focus is on carbon leakage from costs imposed by emission trading systems (ETS) on data center electricity consumption. The study estimates AI’s current and near-future electricity consumption and evaluates the technological feasibility as we...read more

Climate | Energy, Economy | Consumption, Water, Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Cost allocation and incentive mechanisms for environmental, climate protection and resource conservation along global supply chains - Recommendations for selected incentive mechanisms

This report summarizes the findings of the research project "Cost allocation and incentive mechanisms for environmental, climate protection and resource conservation along global supply chains" and investigates four selected supply chain management instruments which have a high potential to increase incentives for environmental protection in global supply chains:price premiums,pay-per-performance...read more

Transport, Water

Particulate Matter emission reduction in international maritime shipping

Analysis and discussion of current status and outlook

In addition to the air pollutants nitrogen oxide (NOX) and sulphur oxide (SOX), seagoing vessels emit considerable quantities of particulate matter (PM). These emissions are not yet regulated either internationally or regionally.The report provides an overview of PM measurement methods and limit values in other transport sectors. It also describes ship-specific measures to reduce PM emissions, inc...read more