German Chancelor at ZBT: Hydrogen for our future energy system

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Bundestag President Bärbel Bas visited the ZBT to learn about the Institute’s activities in hydrogen and fuel cell research.

At the beginning of their visit to Duisburg today, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Bundestag President Bärbel Bas visited the ZBT. At the affiliated institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), they informed themselves about the current state of hydrogen and fuel cell research. The two politicians gained an overview of the high-tech infrastructure and aspects of the ramp-up of a sustainable hydrogen economy at the ZBT’s hydrogen test field, in various laboratories and in discussions with ZBT scientists.

In the sealing laboratory, Bas and Scholz were able to find out what influence ZBT research has on the production of fuel cell components. Here, computer-controlled seals are applied to bipolar plates – an innovative process developed at the ZBT.

At the hydrogen test field, Scholz was particularly interested in the issues surrounding the development of an efficient hydrogen infrastructure. He listened attentively to the explanation of the research hydrogen filling station, where the researchers are investigating the interaction of all components from storage to compression and cooling to the actual refuelling of the hydrogen.

It was particularly important for the Chancellor to talk to young researchers. And so he discussed the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition and the perspectives for the energy supply of the future with scientists and students of the ZBT in a closed circle.

Prof. Harry Hoster, Scientific Director of the ZBT, is impressed by the depth with which the topic of hydrogen has already reached the government level. “The Chancellor sees the hydrogen age as dawning and has a good understanding of the technology ramp-up, and he is aware of the scales of the grid transformation.”

“The Chancellor’s visit is a special honour for us,” sums up ZBT Managing Director Dr Peter Beckhaus. “Especially the direct and intensive exchange with the scientists was excellent for both sides and fundamental for the next steps. Only in close cooperation between industry, politics and science will we be able to establish the hydrogen economy in Germany and thus secure substantial employment.”

Bildersammlung

Olaf Scholz diskutierte mit jungen Wissenschaftler:innen und Studierenden des ZBT. Olaf Scholz diskutierte mit jungen Wissenschaftler:innen und Studierenden des ZBT.

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