Research focus and context

The transition from a linear to a circular economy and the achievement of net zero emissions requires massive transformation processes in all areas of industry. This transformation requires innovative processes, value chains and concepts as well as cross-sector approaches. The resulting complexity makes it essential that innovations are thoroughly analysed in order to assess whether they have a positive impact on achieving the overarching goals, both at a process-related and systemic level. Technology assessment is responsible for this. Transformation processes and concepts can be analysed and evaluated on the basis of technological, economic and ecological criteria.

One of the department's core competencies is process chain modelling on a broad basis of validated thermodynamic process models, which is based on many years of academic experience and collaboration with industrial partners. The well-founded technological analysis (product yield, energy requirements, emissions) enables the economic and ecological evaluation of individual processes and systems. The technological focus is on conventional and innovative processes for the production of basic chemicals, fuels and energy sources, PtX technologies, chemical recycling technologies, synthesis gas and gas treatment processes and the electrification of these technologies.