A large-scale energy transition of society requires efficient electrochemical processes for generating, converting, and storing sustainable energy. Unfortunately, existing electrochemical processes have serious limitations and are inadequate to meet the grand challenges ahead. At present there is insufficient knowledge of the processes occurring in electrochemical systems at the smallest scale to fundamentally improve these processes. In this multidisciplinary fundamental research program, chemists and physicists lay the foundation for new efficient electrochemical technologies designed to dramatically reduce humanitys carbon footprint.

Atoms and molecules can act like tiny laboratories for sensitive experiments that probe the fundamental structure of matter and search for new laws of physics. Scientists will develop a novel method of unsurpassed accuracy and use high performance computing to calculate parameters needed to support and interpret these challenging experiments.

In order to limit climate change, a much faster decarbonisation is needed. Yet, turning to renewable energy sources is not sufficient; energy consumption must steeply decrease too, especially in developed countries. Therefore, this research aims to identify the barriers to and drivers for a degrowth pathway within energy law at European Union level. Focusing on the whole electricity chain, from production to final consumption, this research would allow pinpointing specific legal provisions that have to be expanded, amended or removed. This would facilitate future lawmakers’ action towards a carbon-neutral economy.