Energy transition and decarbonisation

With the energy transition, Germany has set itself an ambitious goal: a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supply - away from nuclear and fossil fuels and towards renewable energies. The energy transition is also one of the biggest global research topics of our time, as tackling climate change requires fundamental changes to our energy systems. BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is researching technical solutions for climate change and integrating key research topics in the areas of energy generation, storage and utilisation, for example for smart energy grids,low-CO2 industrial processes, but also for drives for the mobility of the future.

Example projects

CLEANHYPRO - Open Innovation Test Bed for Electrolysis Materials for Clean Hydrogen Production

Prof. Röntzsch, Chair of Thermal Energy Technology

CLEANHYPRO, a consortium of leading European research institutions in water electrolysis, provides access to production pilots, advanced characterisation techniques and non-technical services. This Open Innovation Test Bed is a central point of contact for stakeholders and enables international companies to participate. As part of CLEANHYPRO, Showcase #1 will provide testing opportunities for relevant industry partners to evaluate novel electrode materials, separators or cell designs for operation under pressure.

ReCreate - Reusing precast concrete for a circular economy

Prof. Mettke, Field of study Structural Recycling

The ReCreate project aims to close the concrete loop in order to drastically reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption. It improves the technical and economic viability of the deconstruction of precast concrete elements and funds reuse. The main objective is to bring deconstruction and reuse to maturity as a socio-technical system and to develop the transition to circular construction through systemic change.

TransHyDE - Mukran: Novel spherical storage systems for decentralised use

Prof. Seidlitz, Chair of Polymer-based Lightweight Construction

The TransHyDE project Mukran demonstrates the entire process chain for the development and transport of high-pressure vessels. To this end, the project is developing two innovative spherical storage tanks. The spherical shape is intended to reduce the load on the outer shell compared to the conventional cylindrical shape. As an example, the researchers are demonstrating the transport of the two prototypes by lorry. In future, the high-pressure tanks could also be transported by ship or train. The project will also work out which option makes the most sense for which application.

PEACE - Pressurised Efficient Alkaline Electrolyser

Prof. Röntzsch, Chair of Thermal Energy Technology

PEACE is developing a high-pressure alkaline electrolysis system (AEL) for maximum efficiency. With a two-stage pressure concept, we achieve up to 90 bar by optimising pressure vessels and cell stacks. Tests at the BTU hydrogen research centre with over 50 kW of power validate the technology. Cost optimisation is key, with a focus on low capital and operating costs. PEACE contributes to sustainable energy production and supports the transition to a cleaner future.

Bi-CCS: Bidirectional CCS charging management to accelerate the energy and mobility transition

Dr.-Ing. Kuprat, Chair of High Voltage Technology and Electrical Annexes

The Chair of Decentralised Energy Systems and Electrical Grids, headed by Prof. Schwarz, is working with partners Volkswagen AG, HagerEnergy GmbH and Stromnetz Berlin GmbH to develop a system for the bidirectional charging of electric vehicles. As part of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, electric vehicles from the Volkswagen ID product family are being integrated into the grid management system as decentralised swarm storage units. The system is being trialled in a real-world demonstrator at the BTU sites in Cottbus and Senftenberg. The aim is to utilise the batteries of electric vehicles as short-term storage units for the energy system. The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection with 4 million euros.