This year, the coveted German Environmental Award is set to honor two trailblazers in their respective fields: electrical engineer Thomas Speidel from Nürtingen near Stuttgart and peatland researcher Franziska Tanneberger from Greifswald. The esteemed award, valued at 500,000 euros, will be bestowed upon them by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) during a ceremony on October 27 in Mainz, presided over by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Speidel's company, ads-tec Energy, has made waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with cutting-edge high-speed charging systems. These innovative solutions include battery-buffered fast chargers, stationary energy storage systems, and wireless charging systems for public parking spaces, all designed to make EV charging convenient and efficient. According to Speidel, these chargers can be seamlessly integrated into urban environments, such as streets, company buildings, and residential areas without the need for garages or wallboxes.
As the power grid evolves and renewable energy sources become more prevalent, energy storage systems are crucial for stabilizing power grids by storing surplus energy and releasing it as needed. ads-tec Energy's systems not only serve as rapid charging points for EVs but also function as intermediate storage for solar energy, thereby contributing to the transmission grid's stability.
DBU Secretary General Alexander Bonde highlighted the importance of innovations like those from ads-tec Energy, as they pave the way for a more electric, eco-friendly, and sustainable future.
Meanwhile, peatland researcher Franziska Tanneberger is celebrated for her work in revitalizing and re-wetting Germany's drained peatlands. Nearly 90% of Germany's peatlands have been drained, leading to carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. Tanneberger's research and advocacy efforts show that peatland protection and agriculture can coexist, benefiting both the environment and the agricultural sector.
Her significant contributions to climate protection, water storage, and biodiversity preservation have earned her recognition from the DBU. Peatlands are natural wonders that absorb and store carbon dioxide, play a vital role in water storage, and provide crucial habitats for various species.
The German Environmental Award is an annual event presented by the DBU to honor outstanding achievements in environmental protection and conservation. The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of nominations by the DBU's board of trustees and the jury's recommendations.
Established in 1990 with funds from Salzgitter AG's privatization proceeds, the German Federal Environmental Foundation has funded over 11,000 projects worth around 2.07 billion euros since its inception. Tune in to learn more about these deserving laureates and their transformative work in shaping a greener future.
Further investigations:
- Innovative EV charging technologies, such as those developed by ads-tec Energy, can revolutionize the landscape of sustainable transportation and lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
- Franziska Tanneberger's work in peatland restoration and protection is essential to preserving and enhancing these vital ecosystems' ability to sequester carbon. Her efforts contribute to a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
- By integrating sustainable practices and protecting these carbon-rich ecosystems, we can mitigate climate change and promote biodiversity conservation.
