Max Planck Institutes in Golm are driving the energy transition forward

With a new agri-photovoltaic system, the Max Planck Campus is saving 600 tons of CO₂ and promoting biodiversity

The Max-Planck-Campus in Potsdam is committed to sustainability and energy self-sufficiency. With a combination of energy-saving measures and the expansion of renewable energies, the institutes are striving for greater energy independence and an active contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.

An innovative agrivoltaic system is currently at the heart of these efforts, which is being built on around 6,000 square meters of research space at the Max Planck Institute  of Molecular Plant Physiology in the north of Potsdam. The system not only produces green energy, but also allows plants to continue to be grown on the fields. In future, the electricity generated will be used to supply the Max Planck institutes based in Golm. After the construction phase, a flowering meadow will initially be planted on the site to promote biodiversity in the region. Of this, 1,000 square meters will be permanently preserved as such.

The photovoltaic system will be supplemented by another system on the roof of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. “Sustainability is of central importance to us. Our measures to reduce CO₂ emissions are not only an ecological contribution, but also safeguard our research against rising energy costs and possible supply bottlenecks,” explains Ralph Bock, Director of the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology.

Sustainable energy management has a long tradition on the campus in the north of Potsdam: in the 1990s two highly efficient gas-fired power plants were installed. With an efficiency of almost 80 percent, they can still keep up with the latest technology today. Since 1999, a large-scale geothermal system with around 160 geothermal probes has also been supporting the institutes' energy production - its output is comparable to that of the new photovoltaic system.

Energy-saving with modern technology

In addition to the production of renewable energy, the Max-Planck-Institutes in Potsdam attach great importance to energy efficiency. Outdated ultra-low temperature freezers have been replaced by economical models that require 65 percent less energy than their predecessors. All institutes are currently being equipped with energy-saving LED lights across the board. The greenhouse was already completely converted to LED lighting in 2022. The extensive investments in photovoltaics and energy-saving measures are largely funded by the state of Brandenburg and supported by funds from the Max-Planck-Society.

“By implementing these comprehensive sustainability measures, we want to send a clear signal for the responsible use of natural resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” says Bock. “Our aim is to demonstrate how future-oriented research and sustainability can be successfully combined.” The extensive measures will enable the three Max-Planck-Institutes in Potsdam to save well over 600 tons of CO₂ per year in the future. “I am delighted that we are able to support the renowned Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology not only with its research, but also with innovative measures to improve its energy efficiency. With our funding program for investment in energy efficiency measures, we have been providing targeted support to scientific and cultural institutions since last year to mitigate the consequences of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the energy crisis. A more self-sufficient energy supply leads to lower energy costs - a win-win situation: for climate protection, for all of us,” says Science Minister Manja Schüle.