Sun, wind, and water instead of coal and oil: what could a sustainable energy system that relies on renewable energy look like? Jülich scientists show how the climate transition can be improved, sped up, and made more economical.

It is one of the biggest challenges facing society: in order to mitigate the consequences of global warming, the global community must drastically reduce its CO₂ emissions. And rethink the energy system from the ground up. Jülich scientists are developing pioneering solutions for this mammoth task. For example, solar cells from the printer, which are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than their classic counterparts. Or battery storage systems that go beyond previous performance limits. In this way, they are paving the way for a successful energy transition. Innovative, smart, practical.

The undeniable effects of climate change and the urgent need for energy security make it clear that the energy transition must be accelerated, and Forschungszentrum Jülich is very well positioned for the future with its outstanding solar and hydrogen research.

Engine of the energy transition

Hydrogen plays a key role. The gas has tremendous potential when it comes to green energy supply. One idea is to use it to store renewable energy – meaning that electricity would flow from the socket even when solar systems are in the dark or wind turbines are not turning because there is no wind. It could also be used as an alternative fuel to power cars, trains, and ships or it could serve as a sustainable raw material for the chemical and steel industries. Researchers at the Helmholtz Cluster for a Sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy – HC-H2 for short – are working intensively on making the energy carrier suitable for everyday use. It is the largest project of its kind in Germany.

Photovoltaics

From solar cells from the printer to agri-PV: to achieve its climate targets, Germany must make better use of the potential of solar energy. We develop ideas for this.

Hydrogen Research

Hydrogen is set to become a mainstay of the energy transition. But this requires sustainable and marketable technologies. We are testing what such solutions could look like.

Battery Research

Nothing works without powerful batteries – be it everyday life or the energy transition. We are working on next-generation batteries that will meet the demands of tomorrow.

Materials Research

These materials are used to build the future! At Jülich, we are investigating novel materials that make innovations in many areas possible – whether it be as CO2 collectors or solar cells.

Systems Research

How do you realize a climate-neutral energy system? And how do you this as cost-effectively as possible? In our search for answers, we systematically look at the big picture.

Climate

Often invisible to the human eye, they influence the climate: chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere. We are tracking down these processes.

Our research centre is broadly and excellently positioned in the field of energy. Jülich scientists combine findings from different disciplines – from materials to systems research. And they are constantly awarded accolades for their innovative approaches. Our goal: to transfer these approaches to practice as quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively as possible. Because this is where they will make a difference. For this reason, the Living Lab Energy Campus has been set up as a real laboratory for the energy transition on the Jülich campus. Here, we test new technologies during normal operation in a networked and smartly controlled system. After all, what works on a small scale today could change the world tomorrow.

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Experts at FZ Jülich

The scientists on the research campus in Jülich are proven experts and excellent specialists in their field of knowledge. They can help to classify and assess socially relevant research results.

Output & Impact

Forschungszentrum Jülich is a knowledge factory. Through our work, we push the boundaries of knowledge and establish the basis for new applications. Our expertise is in high demand and is put to use in a variety of ways.

Helmholtz Researchs Fields

As a founding member of the Helmholtz Association, we are part of the largest German research organization and contribute our top-class expertise to four of the six Helmholtz research fields: energy, matter, information, and Earth and environment.

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