Federal Office of Energy - Pilot and Demonstration Projects

The aim of pilot and demonstration projects is to test and demonstrate new technologies and solutions at a scale that enables conclusions to be drawn regarding their technical feasibility, applicability and economic viability. They thus establish an essential link between research and the market.

A distinction is made between pilot and demonstration projects based on the level of development of the respective technology:

The purpose of a pilot project is to test a new technology or solution. These projects are implemented at a scale that facilitates the assessment of scientific, technological, economic, or social data that cannot be carried out in laboratory tests.

The purpose of a demonstration project is to test a new technology or solution under market conditions. These projects are implemented at a scale of 1:1 and permit a comprehensive technical, economic and social assessment of the suitability of the technology or solution for introduction onto the market. They also yield valuable information regarding the capability of the system and its economic viability, and help draw the attention of potential users to a new technology, product, organisational structure or instrument.