Master Thesis – Analysis of Green Hydrogen Derivative Import Potential for Germany

Your Job:

Even today, energy carriers are transported over long distances to meet regional energy demands. While transport routes have so far been primarily determined by the availability of fossil energy resources in exporting countries, future trade patterns will be shaped by the production capacities of solar and wind energy in potential export regions. These renewable resources will have a decisive influence on the production of hydrogen and its derivatives – and thus on the associated transport distances. However, a key and as yet unresolved question is which energy carriers can be imported to Germany, from which countries, and at what cost. Within this Master’s thesis, you will analyze potential import options for various hydrogen-based energy carriers. To this end, you will model process chains ranging from production in the exporting country through international transport to import into Germany. The focus will be on carriers such as dimethyl ether (DME), hydrogen, and ammonia. Based on your analyses, you will develop import scenarios for Germany, visualize your results, and derive recommendations for future import strategies. Throughout the project, you will receive guidance and support from our team as well as access to our comprehensive software environment. The structure of the thesis is organized into the following steps:

• Conduct a literature review on the current state of research regarding existing process chains and associated energy carriers
  
• Develop detailed process chains for selected energy carriers (e.g., dimethyl ether, hydrogen, ammonia, etc.)
  
• Design a methodological approach to compare supply chains across different scenarios
  
• Analyze and visualize the results obtained from the developed scenarios
  

Your Profile:

• Current master`s studies in engineering, industrial engineering or a comparable course of study
  

You are also characterized by:

• Interest in today`s challenges of the energy transition and the economic consequences
  
• High self-motivation to solve complex problems
  
• Independent way of working
  
• Basic programming skills (Python) advantageous
  
• Very good knowledge of German or English (at least B2 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.
  

We encourage you to apply even if you do not yet meet all the requirements - we will help you develop any missing skills during your introduction to the project.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
  
• PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
  
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
  
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
  
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
  
• FAIR REMUNERATION: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis
  
• FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 6 months
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey