Note: Since 01.01.2024, the current funding theme 8 (Recycling and efficient use of large and environmentally relevant material flows) combines the two previous funding themes 8 (Recycling and efficient use of environmentally critical metals and mineral residues) and 9 (Reduction of emissions of reactive nitrogen compounds into environmental compartments).
Formerly funding theme 8 (recycling and efficient use of environmentally critical metals and mineral residues):
The extraction of raw materials is often associated with considerable environmental impact. Dissipation (fine distribution) of the substances with a wide variety of consumer goods often stands in the way of recycling the substances after the use phase. Efficient use and strict recycling of raw materials that are difficult to substitute are therefore essential for a sustainable economy. This applies in particular to environmentally critical substances such as certain metals needed for high-tech and environmental technologies, as well as phosphorus, which is essential for the food security of a growing world population. Therefore, the recycling of platinum group metals, indium, cobalt and rare earth metals in particular should be pushed.
Mineral residues represent one of the largest material flows in Germany. By recycling e.g. demolition material on a technical level comparable to the primary product, landfills as well as primary raw materials are conserved.
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
Formerly funding theme 9 (Reduction of emissions of reactive nitrogen compounds into environmental compartments):
On the one hand, nitrogen, as a central component of protein, is one of the most important bases of life and the motor of all biological growth. On the other hand, reactive nitrogen compounds lead to complex environmental effects such as groundwater pollution with nitrate, eutrophication, release of nitrous oxide and ammonia, and negative biodiversity effects.
Exposure to reactive nitrogen compounds exceeds the safe range of planetary boundaries more than any other environmental problem. Even though nitrogen is indispensable as a nutrient, undesirable discharges into environmental compartments must be avoided as far as possible. So far, this has not been successful. For example, the nitrogen surplus in German agriculture is around 100 kg per hectare of agricultural land per year.
Action is needed to increase the efficiency of mineral and organic nitrogen fertilization and reduce losses of reactive nitrogen compounds. This is only possible with a bundle of measures that address the various sources of emissions.
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
Project examples from this funding topic:
In addition to project funding, the DBU also awards doctoral scholarships to promote young scientists and fellowships for university graduates from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).