Hydrogen research center in Leoben: Key to CO2 neutrality
Hydrogen research center in Leoben: Key to CO2 neutrality
A new chapter in research around sustainable energy sources was opened in Leoben-Beitendorf on Thursday. The research center for hydrogen and carbon of the Montanuni Leoben takes up its work. The aim is to develop innovative technologies that not only produce hydrogen efficiently, but also support environmentally friendly production processes in industry.
hydrogen is a key player of the energy transition and is regarded as a clean energy source. Rector Peter Moser emphasized the importance of the center and its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Austria. An essential aspect of research is the splitting of methane, a main component of natural gas that can be converted into hydrogen and solid carbon. This technology could help reduce the dependence on carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released into the atmosphere in conventional processes.
research goals and industrial cooperation
In the new center, up to 120 researchers will work on innovative solutions that are housed on an area of 3,000 square meters. Particular attention is paid to the production of green carbon made of biomass plates. This new, sustainable raw material is not only important for agriculture, but also finds applications in industry, for example in the production of batteries, computer chips and carbon fibers.
The Montanuni Leoben has merged with various industrial partners to develop technologies for the pyrolytic split of methane. This process offers the possibility of gaining hydrogen and carbon CO2-neutral and securing an important raw material that is required in many modern applications.
Another focus of research is the development of procedures for using the carbon generated, which contributes to the improvement of soils in agriculture, among other things. In addition, it is estimated in high-tech industries, where it is used, for example, in aerospace or in medical technology products.
In the pilot plant of the Montanuni, the conversion of up to 25 standard cubic meters of methane per hour will be possible. This represents a significant increase in capacity compared to existing systems and opens up new opportunities for research and development efficient processes for hydrogen and carbon production.
With this initiative, the Montanuni Leoben positions itself as a pioneer in research for sustainable energy technologies and plays a crucial role in future CO2-neutral energy supply. The developments that are promoted here could not only be important for Austria, but also for global energy and environmental policy.A deeper look at the technologies and their uses can be found in a detailed report on science.apa.at be read.