Innovative technologies
for the environment and climate
As a high-tech region, the Stuttgart region offers a high level of problem-solving expertise in environmental protection issues. With excellently trained specialists, innovative technologies and highly specialized services, environmental technology as a cross-sectional industry supports the regional mobility economy and mechanical engineering in particular with the ecological challenges and ongoing transformation processes of our time. In the Stuttgart region, many companies in the industry focus on energy savings, avoiding emissions through downstream processes and environmental technology integrated into production.
The region's green tech industry is characterized by globally active global players and start-ups. With the Cellcentric joint venture, Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group AB are combining decades of experience in the development, production and marketing of fuel cells in the Stuttgart region. The mechanical and plant engineering group Dürr, based in Stuttgart and Bietigheim-Bissingen, works on processes to improve energy efficiency and exhaust air purification. The Stuttgart planning and consulting company Fichtner ensures the optimization of systems and facilities for energy and water supply as well as the disposal of wastewater and waste.
Future-oriented in research and training
For over 30 years, the Baden-Württemberg Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research in Stuttgart has been developing technologies for the sustainable and climate-friendly generation of electricity, heat and renewable fuels. The focus is on photovoltaics, biomass conversion, hydrogen production, batteries and fuel cells.
The renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Production Engineering and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart conducts research in 14 specialist departments on energy and resource efficient solutions for the automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, electronics and microsystems technology, energy industry as well as medical and biotechnology sectors. The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial and Biochemical Engineering (IGB) develops processes, technologies and products for health, sustainable chemistry and the environment.
Future specialists in the field of environmental technologies will find a wide range of study programs and research areas at local universities and colleges. The Environmental Protection Technology course at the University of Stuttgart deals with the environmentally friendly design of all technical areas of modern life. At the Institute for Sustainable Energy Technology and Mobility (INEM) at Esslingen University, researchers are committed to sustainable and efficient technologies in the areas of energy supply, production and mobility.
Achieving more together
To support the transfer of knowledge and networking in the industry, the actors are supported by numerous collaborative projects and initiatives: The Stuttgart region's Clean Tech cluster initiative supports local companies, initiates demonstration and funding projects and connects politics, science and business through information offerings. The Stuttgart region is also a member of the nationwide PV network, which promotes the effective expansion of photovoltaics. In the focus of M4Lab, a project by the HFT Stuttgart and the Economic Development Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS), aims to develop a strategy for a climate-neutral region with sustainable mobility concepts and sustainable industrial production. With the regional competence center for energy efficiency (KEFF) As an independent contact, the Stuttgart region supports small and medium-sized companies in particular in successfully implementing energy efficiency measures. Since 2021, the Stuttgart region has also been one of two model regions in Baden-Württemberg of the EU funding program "Green hydrogen model region“. The planned model region in the Stuttgart region serves to research and promote a green hydrogen economy and aims to implement an extensive distribution network.