The Institute for Applied Hydrogen Research in Sonneberg, southern Thuringia, is constructing a new structure. The institution revealed at the topping-out ceremony that the structure, which cost roughly 6.5 million euros, will be inhabited in the autumn. Around 45 scientists would then have access to rooms and labs to undertake research on hydrogen, a prospective energy source. A test hall for related research is also in the works.
The institute has developed significantly since its founding in February of last year, according to Ulrich Palzer, the organization’s director. Six hydrogen-related projects are now being researched by 17 personnel. This has an impact on things like the use of electrolysis by-products in medicine, hydrogen cleaning methods for fuel cells, and the development of coating techniques for natural gas pipelines. The institution is now housed at the Sonneberg offices of the South Thuringian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
“Hydrogen will play a significant role in the future energy system,” said Wolfgang Tiefensee, Minister of Science (SPD). The state has thus far contributed more than three million euros to the institute. According to Tiefensee, the institution is bridging the gap between research and implementation of hydrogen technology in Thuringia.
According to Tiefensee, it is now Thuringia’s ninth business-related research institution, which will serve as a transfer partner for the translation of research findings into commercial technologies in the future. When hydrogen is created utilizing renewable energy sources, it is considered a climate-friendly energy carrier for industry and transportation.
