“Close collaboration in the scientific ecosystem” Professor Sabrina Zellmer on collaborative hydrogen research
TU Braunschweig and the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST are conducting joint research at the Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter. Together with regional companies, new hydrogen technologies are being developed along the entire value chain. The state of Niedersachsen is supporting the Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter with an additional 2.5 million euros. Professor Sabrina Zellmer, spokesperson for the Innovation Network Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter, Head of Energy Storage Materials and Fuel Cells, Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer IST and Professor at the Institute for Particle Technology at TU Braunschweig, talks about the objectives.
‘Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter’ and ‘Innovation Network Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter’ – what is the connection?
Professor Sabrina Zellmer. Photo credits: © Fraunhofer IST, Stefan Mysliwietz
The Hydrogen Campus Salzgitter e.V. is a non-profit association for the promotion and development of hydrogen technologies. Founded by key players from industry, science and politics, the association aims to implement hydrogen technologies along the entire value chain, from production to use, taking into account economic and ecological aspects. It also serves as a regional and national training platform for specialists and managers. The funds from the “zukunft.niedersachsen” programme will be used to support the implementation of the “Innovationsverbund Wasserstoff Campus Salzgitter” and further research into the development of a hydrogen economy. The innovation network is driven by Fraunhofer IST in close cooperation with TU Braunschweig.
What projects can now be started with the €2.5 million funding?
The funding will focus on four research areas: hydrogen supply chains, decarbonisation of industry and neighbourhoods, flexible production of components for fuel cells and electrolyzers, and the use of fuel cells in mobility solutions.
What expertise does TU Braunschweig bring to these projects?
Among other things, TU Braunschweig contributes its expertise in the assembly and disassembly of fuel cells and electrolysers to the Hydrogen Campus. These skills will be incorporated into joint production facilities and used in joint learning and teaching opportunities. In addition, TU Braunschweig has been working for many years in the field of energy efficiency and flexibility of factories. Fraunhofer IST and TU Braunschweig want to further expand their cooperation in this area.
How does the cooperation between TU Braunschweig and Fraunhofer IST advance hydrogen research within the ecosystem?
Building a hydrogen economy goes beyond the production and use of hydrogen. It involves a wide range of sectors, technologies, infrastructures and stakeholders that need to work together seamlessly to enable sustainable and efficient use of hydrogen. A systemic approach is therefore required to take a holistic view of the various dependencies, interactions and challenges. TU Braunschweig and Fraunhofer IST work closely together in the scientific ecosystem. This ecosystem includes various institutes of TU Braunschweig as well as other institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Networking with other partners, such as the Niedersachsen Energy Research Centre and the Wilhelmshaven Energy Hub, is also important. This includes the development of new joint projects and infrastructures. We will use the knowledge gained to accelerate the implementation of results in practice and to further expand teaching and learning opportunities.
Where on the H2 map of Germany can the Hydrogen Campus be found?
The Salzgitter region with its industrial companies will be an important hub for hydrogen in Germany. This is due to the high demand for hydrogen use and consumption, especially at Salzgitter AG. At the Hydrogen Campus, we are therefore looking at hydrogen supply chains to evaluate the provision of green hydrogen via different transport routes (pipeline, road, etc.) and from different countries. The Hydrogen Campus will also be an important place for the development, testing and large-scale demonstration of innovative hydrogen technologies. In other words, it will be a ‘place to be’ for both established companies and start-ups.