Climate change and its catastrophic consequences leave us with only one conclusion: there is no time to lose. Our energy supply must become carbon neutral as quickly as possible. At the same time, however, this transformation should also be affordable and socially sustainable.
To achieve this, scientists involved in Helmholtz Energy are developing innovative technologies. They address issues related to the environmentally and climate-friendly generation, conversion, storage, and distribution of energy. Furthermore, they develop cross-sector energy system solutions that also factor in social dimensions. Jülich researchers are helping to shape this energy system of the future as scientific architects.
Forschungszentrum Jülich is involved in the programmes 'Energy System Design', 'Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition' and 'Fusion' as well as 'Nuclear Waste Management, Safety and Radiation Research' ↓
There are many bright minds behind research in Helmholtz Energy. Here you will find an overview of Jülich contact persons at the level of the Research Field and its programmes. ↓
Successful research is only possible in a network. Get an overview of the other Helmholtz Centres involved in this research field here. ↓
The Helmholtz programme “Energy System Design” aims to create a functional energy system that is technically and economically feasible and socially acceptable. To this end, Helmholtz researchers are developing the necessary models, methods, and technologies – including smart residential areas and urban districts, techno-economic energy scenarios, and digitally controlled European power grids.
The flexible ETHOS model suite and unique infrastructures, such as the Jülich Living Lab Energy Campus, enable close collaboration with research and industry partners. As a result, solutions for a resilient, decentralised and integrated energy system can be quickly calculated and transferred into practice.
The Helmholtz programme “Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition” covers the entire value chain necessary for a sustainable transformation of energy supply and use.
Jülich researchers focus on key areas of the energy transition, such as renewable electricity generation, rechargeable storage systems, and the synthesis and use of green hydrogen and other chemical energy carriers. Basic research is conducted to understand material properties and functionalities, while application-oriented research is carried out to develop components and systems.
There is a particular focus on the development and optimization of photovoltaic systems, batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells – from materials research to operational systems. At the same time, research is conducted into how material cycles can be closed and resources used efficiently. The development of new technologies is also accelerated and optimized through advanced modelling and simulation on high-performance computers.
The sun and its stellar siblings serve as an example of how energy can be generated from the fusion of atomic nuclei. In the future, fusion reactors will make it possible to replicate these processes on Earth. The goal is to achieve a safe, environmentally friendly, and long-term energy supply.
The Helmholtz programme “Fusion” is based on three pillars: the construction of the ITER tokamak in France, the operation and further expansion of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in Greifswald, and the preparation of a demonstration power plant.
All fusion power plants have in common the extreme plasma temperatures of more than 100 million °C. Using strong magnetic fields, the plasma is controlled and thus the surrounding wall structure is protected. However, there are still significant interactions between the wall and the plasma. Jülich researchers address this interdisciplinary topic, which affects fusion reactors of all types.
As part of the “Plasma–Wall Interaction” topic, Jülich researchers develop and analyse new materials that can withstand the extreme conditions in fusion reactors. They investigate both the physical and chemical processes that take place at the interface between plasma and wall materials as well as the effects of plasma impurities caused by the erosion of wall components, which can lead to plasma quenching.
Nuclear power generation in Germany came to an end in 2023. Radioactive waste must be disposed of safely. A decision on the location of a final storage facility for highly radioactive waste will not be made until the second half of this century. Until then, this waste must be stored temporarily. At the same time, nuclear energy will feature in the future energy mix in Europe in the long term.
Safety is the mission of the Helmholtz programme Nuclear Waste Management, Safety and Radiation Research (NUSAFE). Together with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Jülich scientists are developing solutions as part of a coordinated research programme.
Jülich’s contributions focus on aspects concerning the safe disposal of radioactive waste and the safe operation of nuclear facilities in other (European) countries. The NUSAFE programme also supports the German Federal Government’s efforts to develop sustainable expertise in nuclear safety.
There are many bright minds behind research in Helmholtz Energy. Here you will find an overview of Jülich contact persons at the level of the research field and its programmes. Further specific contact persons can be found on the relevant topic pages.
Helmholtz Energy is coordinated by Helmholtz Vice President for the Research Field Energy Bernd Rech (HZB). The programme spokespersons are Veit Hagenmeyer from the KIT (Energy System Design), Olivier Gullion from the Forschungszentrum Jülich (Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition), Robert Wolf from the Max-Planck-Institute for Plasmaphysics (associated partner Fusion) as well as Dirk Bosbach from the Forschungszentrum Jülich (Nuclear Waste Management, Safety and Radiation Research, NUSAFE).
The centers that are involved in Helmholtz Energy during PoF IV are the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, (HZB), the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) is scientifically associated with Helmholtz Energy.
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