The EWE research centre for energy technology NEXT ENERGY, an affiliated Institute of the University of Oldenburg, was officially opened on 13 August. The research carried out by around 50 scientists will focus on renewable energies, energy efficiency and electricity storage. The research centre was set up by the energy company EWE and the University of Oldenburg with support from the state of Lower Saxony. "With this financing, we as an energy service provider are enabling cutting-edge research into important energy and future issues. Especially against the backdrop of the current economic crisis, research and development must not be neglected," emphasised EWE CEO Dr Werner Brinker.

Lower Saxony's Science Minister Lutz Stratmann said at the opening ceremony: "The research institute is an outstanding asset for Lower Saxony as a centre of science. Research is being conducted here on topics that are of central importance for the energy supply of tomorrow." Dr Heide Ahrens, Acting President of the University of Oldenburg, said that as an affiliated Institute of the University, NEXT ENERGY contributes significantly to the university's national and international profile in energy research.

The first scientists have already moved into the new building on the Wechloy campus, including Institute Director Prof Dr Carsten Agert. According to Agert, a modern infrastructure is now available, which will be used to research materials, components, systems and production technologies for an efficient and environmentally friendly energy supply. The work will focus more closely on the technological areas of silicon thin-film photovoltaics, fuel cells and electricity storage.

NEXT ENERGY is supported by a registered association. In addition to EWE AG, its members include the state of Lower Saxony and the University of Oldenburg.