Berlin, August 29, 2024, The Europe Today: The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) has announced the recipients of the prestigious German Environmental Prize for 2024. Engineer Thomas Speidel and moor researcher Franziska Tanneberger have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. The two laureates will share €500,000 (approximately $555,000) in prize money.
Thomas Speidel, managing director of Ads-Tec Energy, has been awarded for his development of an innovative quick-charge electric vehicle battery system. This system is described by Speidel as the “Swiss Army knife of the energy transition,” offering the ability to charge electric vehicles in mere minutes even on low-powered grids. The technology’s flexibility allows for rapid and extensive expansion of the current charging infrastructure, making it possible to install battery-buffered fast chargers in various locations including roads, company buildings, and residential areas lacking traditional charging setups. DBU Secretary General Alexander Bonde praised Speidel as a “trailblazer for climate-friendly electromobility.”
Franziska Tanneberger, recognized for her pivotal role in the revitalization of moors, has been honored for her dedication to moor preservation and “rewetting” efforts. Tanneberger’s work emphasizes the critical role of moors as carbon sinks, which are essential in mitigating climate change. Her efforts include integrating moor protection into national and international policy frameworks and developing sustainable land use strategies in collaboration with local farmers. Bonde highlighted that Tanneberger’s approach demonstrates that “moor protection and moor use are not a contradiction.”
The German Environmental Prize, which celebrates exceptional achievements in environmental, climate, and biodiversity protection, will be formally presented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Mainz on October 27, 2024.
