Hydrogen – Fundamentals of Production, Storage & Transport, Applications, and Economy.

approximately

Educating HyPotential researchers on various topics across the breadth of hydrogen-related technologies and systems analysis.

This is the first of two winter schools to be organized during each cohort of the IRTG by bringing together all participants. Lectures will be held in a hybrid online/live format. It will be a three-day event in which half a day will be allotted to each research area during which the professors will hold lectures on the fundamentals of their expertise areas. The second winter school will be organized in the third or fourth year of the IRTG in a similar time format. This time, however, the doctoral researchers (plus a few invited speakers) will hold lectures on the advanced topics of their research area, including their research outcomes. 

large_1stWinterSchool.jpg

medium_1stWinterSchool.jpg

small_1stWinterSchool.jpg

thumbnail_1stWinterSchool.jpg

xlarge_1stWinterSchool.jpg

1stWinterSchool.jpg

The HyPotential Winter School

Annual conference of the Zukunftscluster Wasserstoff

Hydrogen as an energy carrier offers the possibility of establishing a local and global CO2-neutral energy economy. The Hydrogen Clusters4Future bundle already existing expertise in the field of hydrogen technologies in and around Aachen with actors from Industry, Science and Society. All while considering the entire hydrogen life cycle – from production to storage and distribution to use. The Aachen Hydrogen Colloqium brings together researchers and stakeholders for an intense two days of exchange, impact and networking!

large_Workshop_ACH.jpg

medium_Workshop_ACH.jpg

small_Workshop_ACH.jpg

thumbnail_Workshop_ACH.jpg

xlarge_Workshop_ACH.jpg

Workshop_ACH.jpg

Aachen Hydrogen Colloquium

Meeting for a synchronized implementation of the objectives and qualification program of HyPotential

HyKOW - It all starts here! During this workshop, strategic decisions related to administration, planning, and execution will be made. The members of the Local Steering Committee (LSC) and International Steering Committee (ISC) will be nominated and elected. HyKOW will include detailed presentations on the IRTG structure, research focus areas, curriculum highlights, resource utilization, and ethical research guidelines. HyKOW will provide all involved participants with the timeline of key program milestones, including research project phases, seminars, workshops, mobility periods, and expected progression. Special emphasis will be on the logistics of the international collaboration strategy between partner institutions, of the joint supervision, and of the longer-term reciprocal research visits of the doctoral researchers.


large_HyKOW.jpg

medium_HyKOW.jpg

small_HyKOW.jpg

thumbnail_HyKOW.jpg

xlarge_HyKOW.jpg

HyKOW.jpg

HyKOW: The HyPotential Kick-off Workshop

hypotential.svg

Imprint

# Haftungsausschluss

## Haftung für Inhalte

Die Inhalte unserer Seiten wurden mit größter Sorgfalt erstellt. Für die Richtigkeit, Vollständigkeit und Aktualität der Inhalte können wir jedoch keine Gewähr übernehmen. Als Diensteanbieter sind wir gemäß § 7 Abs.1 TMG für eigene Inhalte auf diesen Seiten nach den allgemeinen Gesetzen verantwortlich. Nach §§ 8 bis 10 TMG sind wir als Diensteanbieter jedoch nicht verpflichtet, übermittelte oder gespeicherte fremde Informationen zu überwachen oder nach Umständen zu forschen, die auf eine rechtswidrige Tätigkeit hinweisen. Verpflichtungen zur Entfernung oder Sperrung der Nutzung von Informationen nach den allgemeinen Gesetzen bleiben hiervon unberührt. Eine diesbezügliche Haftung ist jedoch erst ab dem Zeitpunkt der Kenntnis einer konkreten Rechtsverletzung möglich. Bei Bekanntwerden von entsprechenden Rechtsverletzungen werden wir diese Inhalte umgehend entfernen.

## Haftung für Links

Unser Angebot enthält Links zu externen Webseiten Dritter, auf deren Inhalte wir keinen Einfluss haben. Deshalb können wir für diese fremden Inhalte auch keine Gewähr übernehmen. Für die Inhalte der verlinkten Seiten ist stets der jeweilige Anbieter oder Betreiber der Seiten verantwortlich. Die verlinkten Seiten wurden zum Zeitpunkt der Verlinkung auf mögliche Rechtsverstöße überprüft. Rechtswidrige Inhalte waren zum Zeitpunkt der Verlinkung nicht erkennbar. Eine permanente inhaltliche Kontrolle der verlinkten Seiten ist jedoch ohne konkrete Anhaltspunkte einer Rechtsverletzung nicht zumutbar. Bei Bekanntwerden von Rechtsverletzungen werden wir derartige Links umgehend entfernen.

## Urheberrecht

Die durch die Seitenbetreiber erstellten Inhalte und Werke auf diesen Seiten unterliegen dem deutschen Urheberrecht. Die Vervielfältigung, Bearbeitung, Verbreitung und jede Art der Verwertung außerhalb der Grenzen des Urheberrechtes bedürfen der schriftlichen Zustimmung des jeweiligen Autors bzw. Erstellers. Downloads und Kopien dieser Seite sind nur für den privaten, nicht kommerziellen Gebrauch gestattet. Soweit die Inhalte auf dieser Seite nicht vom Betreiber erstellt wurden, werden die Urheberrechte Dritter beachtet. Insbesondere werden Inhalte Dritter als solche gekennzeichnet. Sollten Sie trotzdem auf eine Urheberrechtsverletzung aufmerksam werden, bitten wir um einen entsprechenden Hinweis. Bei Bekanntwerden von Rechtsverletzungen werden wir derartige Inhalte umgehend entfernen.

Privacy Policy

Recent news about HyPotential's research, impact, and networks!

Updates

Find out more about important upcoming events related to HyPotential, and hydrogen research in general!

Events

HyPotential

HyPotential is a DFG funded International Research Training Group (GRK 2983/1) between RWTH Aachen University & Institute of Science Tokyo


Core competencies, research ideas and focus of HyPotential

Research

The establishment of a hydrogen economy must be based on the integration of currently available technologies with the development of innovative new concepts for all aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and use in industrial, stationary, and mobile applications. For the individuals facilitating, developing, and implementing this transition, extensive knowledge and oversight of all aspects of a hydrogen economy are essential. This knowledge needs to span across a matrix involving production, storage and transport, and thermo- and electrochemical utilization both at the fundamental and the technological level, and it needs to involve life-cycle assessments and socio-economic analysis.

To address the major fundamental challenges of a hydrogen-based economy, the IRTG is structurally composed of five different research areas. Four of them are focused on individual aspects, i.e., production, storage and transport, and both thermochemical and electrochemical utilization of hydrogen. In addition, a cross-sectional area (CSA) addresses life-cycle assessment and system and socio-economic analysis spanning the spectrum of hydrogen-related technologies. 

About

## Why hydrogen?
The pressing significance of climate change and its associated risks to humanity are widely acknowledged, necessitating an urgent shift in our energy systems towards carbon neutrality. The substantial potential of renewable wind and solar energy must be utilized to achieve defossilization. However, widespread utilization of these intermittent sources requires effective means for transporting the energy over long distances and storing it for extended periods, for which hydrogen is very well suited. Hydrogen can be produced with good efficiency and offers remarkable versatility as a chemical energy carrier for various on-demand energy applications. It can be employed for electricity generation, providing heat for industrial processes and buildings, and as a fuel in transportation. On a global socio-economic scale, hydrogen production through processes like water electrolysis using renewable electricity or biomass gasification presents economic opportunities that can cater to diverse regions, each with its unique energy resources and needs. 

Still, many challenges and open scientific questions exist in the hydrogen life cycle from production to utilization. For instance, hydrogen production by water electrolysis and its use in fuel cells require low-cost and stable catalysts with high activity; storage and transport of hydrogen are difficult because of its low volumetric density under non-extreme conditions; and hydrogen combustion can show intrinsic flame instabilities, which precludes its use in existing combustion devices. To address the existing challenges, fundamental research is needed addressing the scientific details in the research domains of hydrogen production, transport and storage, as well as its thermo- and electrochemical utilization while considering their interconnections. 

Accordingly, this International Research Training Group (IRTG), covers these aspects holistically to pave the way for the widespread use of hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier with a meaningful impact on the wider community and society. 

## Aims and objectives of HyPotential
Responding to the pertinent challenges, the proposed IRTG aims to (1) advance the state of the research across the spectrum of hydrogen-based technologies including hydrogen production, transport and storage, thermochemical and electrochemical usage, and socio- and techno-economic analysis, and (2) train cohorts of excellent researchers and future leaders at different stages of their careers by providing them with holistic and interdisciplinary knowledge on a broad range of aspects related to the hydrogen life cycle that go beyond their immediate subject areas. RWTH Aachen University and Institute of Science Tokyo are jointly in a unique position to provide interdisciplinary competencies and an environment of world-class research both on the fundamental side, for instance, in electrocatalysis, membrane technology, combustion, and on the system scale for electrochemical, thermochemical, and other applications. 

This IRTG is the first dedicated attempt in both Germany and Japan to train a young cohort of engineers, natural scientists, and social scientists uniquely qualifying them to drive national and international programs within the energy transition, for which hydrogen is increasingly considered a central element for a long-term strategy. Hydrogen, as the theme of this IRTG, is a global topic demanding regionally different solutions because of varying local conditions. Yet, worldwide interdependencies and globally connected solutions are essential and need to be fostered. Therefore, the exposure of all involved young researchers to two very different economies is a major added value provided by the IRTG. 


Principle investigators and researchers involved in HyPotential

People

The excellent and diverse team of PIs involved in the HyPotential have both complementary and overlapping expertise, which enables a highly interdisciplinary research structure to bring together researchers with a wide range of expertise and interests. At a broader level, the research structure is woven out of various complementarities arising from theoretical versus experimental and fundamental versus system scale research. This is only made possible due to the collaboration between RWTH Aachen and Institute of Science Tokyo. This holistic structure is ideal for the all-round training of the researchers because it allows the development of fruitful synergies in research. 

Contact

**Email:**
hypotential@itv.rwth-aachen.de

**Phone:**
+49 241 80-94607

Several doctoral and postdoctoral positions open on a diverse range of topics!

Open Positions

# Be a leading innovator in the transition to a green economy!
# Realize your HyPotential!

The International Research Training Group between RWTH Aachen University & Institute of Science Tokyo, **HyPotential**, is inviting applications from excellent candidates with a Masters degree (or equivalent) for advancing the state of research on the fundamentals of hydrogen production, storage & transport, applications, & economy and to participate in a holistic training program in all these areas.

## What’s in it for you?
- Research in an excellent, diverse & highly interdisciplinary global team
- Special mentoring & coaching program _Women of the IRTG_ for female candidates
- 6-month exchange visit to TokyoTech for collaborative research 
- Participation in regular summer schools, workshops & international conferences
- Highly individualized training program to enhance your soft & transversal skills 
- Professional networking with pioneers from both industry & academia
- Financial support after PhD for continuing original & excellent research if selected

The qualification program for doctoral candidates will open a wide range of career paths including positions in industry, engineering consulting, energy-related NGOs, energy policy, and of course, academia! The goal of the postdoctoral training will be the pursuit of a career in scientific research by providing them opportunities to participate in advising, advance their scientific profile with high impact publications, as well as train them in writing research proposals and group leadership.

## Selection procedure
Doctoral candidates will be selected in a transparent process based on the relevance of their educational background, academic achievements, excellence in Master’s research, previous internship experiences, recommendations, and assessments in interviews. **We seek applicants who bring diversity to the talent pool and have Master’s level research expertise related to the relevant topics. We highly encourage female and international candidates to apply!** Postdoctoral candidates will be appointed based on the scientific excellence and impact of their doctoral research, research statements, publications, recommendations, and interview assessments. 

Each applicant is required to submit the following application documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of their degree certificates, 3 references including a letter of recommendation signed by the supervisor of their Master's or doctoral thesis, and a personal statement to relate their plans to the scientific scope of the IRTG. For postdoctoral positions, a research statement is additionally required.  

All the information on the specific PhD openings can be viewed below. Interested doctoral candidates should directly apply to the PI leading the corresponding research topic of interest. After evaluation of the application documents the candidates will be invited to a personal interview. For any other queries please contact us at [hypotential@itv.rwth-aachen.de](mailto:hypotential@itv.rwth-aachen.de).



The advancement of hydrogen-related technologies and the hydrogen economy must be built on a foundation of reliable assessments of their economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and efficiency. These assessments determine whether a system is competitive with established references. Consequently, they need to be performed for novel hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization technologies. Further, integrating these aspects into an overall energy system model is necessary for building confidence and a positive public perception. The CSA deals with the assessments of hydrogen-based technologies and systems at different scales of application addressing socio-economic, techno-economic, and environmental criteria, under the following sub-topics:
1. Design of sustainable socio-economic hydrogen energy systems
2. Life-cycle analyses and ecosystems research

CSA.png

Systems Design & Life-Cycle Assessment

Niklas von der Aßen

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt. Ing.

Grit Walther

Prof. Dr. rer. pol.

Mika Goto

Prof. 

Masaharu Tsujimoto

Prof.

Qihao Ran

M. Sc. 

Fabian Welker

M. Sc.

Yuki Imamura

Karan Anand

The goal of achieving a sustainable energy future based on hydrogen requires sustainable production methods. RA1 focuses primarily on electrocatalytic water splitting, which has attracted much attention as it enables CO2-free production of H2 as an energy carrier. The second subtopic in RA1 considers innovative methods for reducing the carbon footprint of grey hydrogen technologies. The sub-topics are:
1. Green hydrogen production from electrocatalytic water splitting
2. Reducing the carbon footprint of grey hydrogen production 

hypo_artboards_Production.svg

RA1.png

Production

Regina Palkovits

Prof. Dr. rer. nat.

Anna Mechler

Abhishek Khetan

Jun. Prof. Dr. -Ing.

Tetsuya Suekane

Takeo Yamaguchi

Wenjun Zhang

This is the most schwifty research area of all of them.

Hydrogen transport and storage are critical for the roll-out of a hydrogen economy, especially because the associated burden could comprise 35 % of the overall greenhouse gas footprint. As a result of hydrogen‘s low volumetric energy density, its  long-distance transport and local distribution is difficult. Physical methods such as compression and liquefaction have been explored as possible options. Also chemical methods of incorporating it into Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) and sorption into solid phase materials have been investigated. RA2 brings together many of these interesting topics under the following subtopics:
1. Electrochemical hydrogen compression
2. Chemical hydrogen storage 

hypo_artboards_StorageTransport.svg

RA2.png

Storage & Transport

Matthias Wessling 

Prof. Dr. -Ing.

Gunjana Yadav

Wakako Araki

Ichiro Yamanaka

Nick Semrau

Fabian Ketter

Using hydrogen in thermochemical energy conversion processes creates unique opportunities to decarbonize several sectors including power generation, industrial process heat, and mobility. In this IRTG, we will consider applications that are particularly relevant for the energy transition and represent prototypical examples covering a wide range of fundamental aspects. These applications include internal combustion engines (ICE), stationary burners in gas turbines for power generation and industrial furnaces, and the use of hydrogen as a reducing agent in steel production. Major fundamental and engineering challenges will be addressed within the following sub-topics:
1. Hydrogen conversion in internal combustion engines
2. Hydrogen burners in gas turbines and industrial furnaces
3. Hydrogen as reducing agent in steelmaking

hypo_artboards_ThermoChem.svg

RA3.jpg

Thermochemical Utilization

Heinz Pitsch

Wolfgang Schröder

Stefan Pischinger

Prof. Dr.-Ing.

Mamoru Tanahashi

Miyuki Hayashi

Hidenori Kosaka

Tomohiro Nozaki

Shibam Bose

Thomas Howarth

Dr.-Ing. 

Svenja Nerzak

Yuji Tagaya

Zin Shahin

The electrochemical utilization of hydrogen has several advantages, particularly in fuel cells where electrochemical conversion can lead to higher energy efficiency compared to thermochemical processes. Typically, these processes have zero (or near-to-zero) emissions during operation with the typical byproduct being water. Fuel cells can be utilized across various sectors, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable devices, and therefore have a huge decarbonization potential. RA4 focuses on research and development along various lines from electrochemistry and materials to fuel cell systems for driving improvements in their performance, enhancing durability, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications. Additionally, RA4 considers the interaction of these aspects and the mutual influence of boundary conditions. The following sub-topics will be addressed:
1. Electrochemistry in fuel cells
2. Materials characterization in fuel cells
3. Fuel cell systems

hypo_artboards_ElectroChem.svg

RA4.png

Electrochemical Utilization

Electrochemical purification and utilization of hydrogen


Reinhold Kneer 

Manabu Ihara

Simon Winter

Sahar Koritisani

Jan Wurm

Sven Bröhl

Our recent workshop was held successfully, with around 25 attendees. The steering committee members were elected, and presentations were given by the Center for Young Academics (CYA) and the Research Data Management (RDM) team from RWTH Aachen’s IT Center. Thanks to all who participated!

HyPotential

Newest Updates

HyKOW Completed!

HyPotential is approved!

We're hiring

Upcoming Events

The HyPotential Winter School

Aachen Hydrogen Colloquium

HyKOW: The HyPotential Kick-off Workshop

Research Areas

Systems Design & Life-Cycle Assessment

Production

Storage & Transport

Thermochemical Utilization

Electrochemical Utilization

Quick Links

About →

People →

Open Positions →

Contact →