Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Fusion energy and climate-neutral energy generation

Climate-neutral energy

Electrification and digitalization are expected to cause the electric power requirement in industrial countries to triple by 2050. The energy supply must simultaneously become climate-neutral, affordable and resilient. This necessitates new energy sources and a fundamental overhaul of the energy system. Research and development will play a crucial role here, from technological innovations to new business models and comprehensive system solutions. Fraunhofer is actively advancing this transformation by developing hydrogen technologies, solar, wind and geothermal energy and with long-term research in nuclear fusion as a potential environmentally friendly energy source.

Selected projects and initiatives

 

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Hydrogen research

Hydrogen is a key building block on the way to low-emissions industry and is a key part of safeguarding Germany's future viability as an industrial hub. Fraunhofer’s expertise covers the whole hydrogen lifecycle.



 

© Fraunhofer IEG

Geothermal systems

As a practically unlimited energy source, geothermal energy offers a reliable alternative to fossil fuels. Fraunhofer's research spans the entire value chain, from exploration and development to technical integration in existing and future supply infrastructure.


 

Nuclear fusion

Close collaboration between science and industry is essential to advance market-driven research in fusion. Fraunhofer develops key technologies for fusion power plants that could also be relevant to other industries, opening up new markets. This may also reduce the costs of nuclear fusion.

 

 

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Battery cell research

The latest advances in local battery research offer opportunities to strengthen European-made battery technology and to regain technological sovereignty. Across 26 institutes and research units, Fraunhofer pools its expertise along the entire value chain, from material research to cell production.

 

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Climate-neutral industry

The production industry is faced with the challenge of being both sustainable and competitive. Fraunhofer provides technological development, process optimization and consulting to help companies reduce their emissions and position themselves viably for the future.

 

© Fraunhofer ISE

Resource-efficient expansion of the power infrastructure

Large amounts of raw materials will be required to connect the different areas of electric power generation, storage, distribution and utilization. Medium voltage technology is the key to opening up the resource-efficient integration of renewable energy. The higher system voltages enable considerable material, cost and space savings.





 

Fraunhofer Energy Alliance


Fraunhofer Energy Alliance


The Fraunhofer Energy Alliance pools the competencies of 20 Fraunhofer institutes to develop pioneering products with high investment security and competitive strength. 







 

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrierte Energiesysteme CINES

We analyze a wide range of systems, research and develop technologies and work on solutions to effectively communicate the energy transition in order to increase the share of variable renewables.




Contact

Contact Press / Media

Prof. Dr. Andreas Bett

Director

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
Heidenhofstraße 2
79110 Freiburg, Germany

Phone +49 761 4588-5257

Fax +49 761 4588-9257

Contact Press / Media

Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Quay

Excecutive director

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF
Tullastr. 72
79108 Freiburg

Phone +49 761 5159-843

Sarah Klein

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Sarah Klein

Scientific Expert for the Executive Board VA, Fusion

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen, Germany

Phone +49 241 8906-8363

Fax +49 241 8906-121