Bloomberg: Germany increased spending on energy research 77 percent in the past seven years, benefiting mainly renewable-power and efficiency projects as the country shuts nuclear reactors. The government spent 708 million euros ($938 million) on research and development of energy technologies last year, up from 399 million euros in 2006, the Economy Ministry said today in an e-mailed statement, citing a new study. Projects included reducing noise from offshore wind power, making buildings more energy-efficient...