Competence Center for
Energy Transition (CC4E) Competence Center for Energy Transition (CC4E)

We are investigating storage solutions – from batteries and redox flow cells to hydrogen – as well as technological conversion processes, with a goal of making renewable energy flexible and available with minimal losses.

A successful energy transition requires not only renewable generation, but also high-performance storage and conversion technologies. The Storage and Conversion research focus at the CC4E investigates how energy in the form of hydrogen, heat, electricity or chemical energy carriers can be stored, transformed and made readily available. The term ‘conversion’ deliberately stands for a broad technological approach that encompasses electrochemical, thermal and process engineering processes in equal measure.

A central theme is the production, storage and distribution of energy carriers such as hydrogen. In particular, the CC4E is researching green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity, as well as turquoise hydrogen, which is produced by the pyrolytic cracking of methane. The solid carbon products resulting from this process open up potential for CO₂-neutral or even negative emission pathways. In addition, the CC4E operates facilities for the capture of CO₂ from ambient air (Direct Air Capture) and investigates its material use in industrial processes. Furthermore, the CC4E analyses the hydrogen transport chain: Which infrastructure – gas network, pipeline transport, pressurised gas trailers or ships – is suitable under which conditions, and how can losses and costs be minimised?

The CC4E focuses intensively on electrochemical energy converters and storage systems – including electrolysers, fuel cells, redox flow cells and battery systems. These technologies are crucial for balancing out fluctuations in the supply of renewable energy and for providing energy in line with demand. Another focus is on energy conversion processes such as plasma conversion and Power-to-X processes, where thermodynamic analysis and process simulation help to efficiently convert renewable energy into storable or transportable energy carriers.

In the field of alternative fuels, the team is researching process engineering methods for the production of synthetic energy carriers and chemicals that can replace fossil raw materials in industry and the mobility sector. The question of transport also arises here: CC4E investigates how synthetic energy carriers and chemicals are transported from the production site to the point of use – whether via existing gas networks, liquid logistics chains or dedicated infrastructure – and which system solution is economically and technically superior for which application.

In close collaboration with the Energy System Analysis division, another key focus is on grid integration and the incorporation of storage technologies into the system: The CC4E investigates how battery systems, electrolysers and other storage technologies can be operated to stabilise the grid, what impact they have on the electricity grid, and how they can be integrated into wider energy systems.

Carbon management is another key focus: through CCU and CCS approaches, ways are being investigated to capture CO₂ from industrial or atmospheric sources, store it or reuse it as a resource.