Franziska Tanneberger, a prominent moor researcher, and Thomas Speidel, an electrical engineer, have been awarded the German Environmental Prize in 2024. Tanneberger, the co-director of the Greifswald Moor Centre, played a crucial role in the first global moor status report and demonstrated that the rewetting of moors can coexist with agriculture.
Speidel, the president of the Federal Association for Energy Storage Systems, developed flexible tank systems to expand the charging infrastructure for electric cars and prevent power shortages. The prestigious award, endowed with 500,000 euros, will be presented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The recognition highlights the significance of their contributions to climate and biodiversity conservation through moor research and the development of fast-charging systems for electric vehicles that mitigate power supply constraints. Tanneberger's work in revitalizing and rehydrating moors, which play a crucial role in climate protection, has positioned her as a driving force in the field.
The award ceremony will take place on October 27th in Mainz and is organized by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU).
