HydroExchange

Science Bridge for Hydrogen: University of Koblenz – University of Western Australia

The transition towards a globally interconnected hydrogen economy represents a central challenge for the energy transition and marks a key milestone in the restructuring of industrial infrastructures within the context of climate-neutral value creation. The aim of the project is to establish a research partnership on the topic of hydrogen technology between the University of Koblenz and the University of Western Australia, and in doing so to gain comparative insights into the implementation of integrated hydrogen systems on an industrial scale in Germany and Australia, while analytically accompanying socioeconomic transformation processes in regional contexts. The project combines engineering and chemistry perspectives on the development of efficient hydrogen technologies with social science analyses of actor constellations, regional network formation and global supply chain integration. In addition to scientific synergies, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional partnerships through mobility programmes, joint workshops and the sustainable networking of early-career researchers.

Subproject I: Chemistry
The research group is dedicated to the sustainable production of hydrogen from greenhouse gases such as CO₂ and methane. The focus lies on dry reforming processes and related catalytic reactions that enable the efficient utilisation of these gases. A central research priority is the development and optimisation of materials for Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), enabling CO₂ to be both fixed and converted into valuable chemical products. Innovative strategies for integrating CO₂ utilisation and hydrogen production are being explored. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of highly stable catalyst materials with outstanding performance, enabling the long-term efficient and sustainable conversion of greenhouse gases into energy carriers. (Contact: Prof. Dr. Simone Mascotto)

Subproject II: Transfer Research
This subproject conducts quantitative network analyses examining how stakeholders in hydrogen projects in Australia and Germany are interconnected. Building on this, and drawing on qualitative interviews in both countries, the possible roles of universities as change agents in the hydrogen transition are explored and training and continuing education needs are derived. (Contact: Dr. Miriam Voigt)

Subproject III: Innovation Management
Resources in the energy transition – identifying niches and pathways for economic development. This subproject uses media analysis to address the following questions: What opportunities does the sustainability transition offer for the economic and social development of regions? Given the declining public and private funding for hydrogen projects, the subproject investigates which niches will persist, which will disappear, and which have the potential to transform the system. (Contact: Prof. Dr. Robert Panitz)