The transformation of our energy system is driven not only by climate change and the finite availability of fossil resources, but also by the need for greater energy independence and resilience. Hydrogen offers a versatile pathway towards a sustainable and geographically diversified energy supply.
It can be produced from various primary energy sources, stored as a gas, liquid or chemical compound, and transported by road, rail, pipeline or sea. Its applications range from fuel cells and direct combustion to steelmaking, chemical production and climate-friendly mobility.
In this talk, I will outline the technological pathways of hydrogen from production, storage and transport to its diverse applications. I will also discuss its role in the energy and mobility transition and show how the National Hydrogen Innovation Centre in Chemnitz will help accelerate the development and industrialisation of hydrogen technologies.
Thomas von Unwerth is an automotive engineer, hydrogen researcher and technology-transfer strategist. As Vice-Rector at TU Chemnitz, Professor of Advanced Powertrains and Managing Director of the Institute of Automotive Research, he connects scientific research with industrial innovation.
Before joining TU Chemnitz, he spent nearly a decade in Volkswagen’s corporate research, working on fuel-cell systems and international vehicle projects. Today, he chairs the European hydrogen technology cluster HZwo e.V. and the National Hydrogen Innovation Centre HIC gGmbH. His research focuses on hydrogen, fuel cells, electrolysers, advanced powertrains and electric mobility. He has authored more than 100 publications and several patents.
The transformation of our energy system is driven not only by climate change and the finite availability of fossil resources, but also by the need for greater energy independence and resilience. Hydrogen offers a versatile pathway towards a sustainable and geographically diversified energy supply.
It can be produced from various primary energy sources, stored as a gas, liquid or chemical compound, and transported by road, rail, pipeline or sea. Its applications range from fuel cells and direct combustion to steelmaking, chemical production and climate-friendly mobility.
In this talk, I will outline the technological pathways of hydrogen from production, storage and transport to its diverse applications. I will also discuss its role in the energy and mobility transition and show how the National Hydrogen Innovation Centre in Chemnitz will help accelerate the development and industrialisation of hydrogen technologies.
Thomas von Unwerth is an automotive engineer, hydrogen researcher and technology-transfer strategist. As Vice-Rector at TU Chemnitz, Professor of Advanced Powertrains and Managing Director of the Institute of Automotive Research, he connects scientific research with industrial innovation.
Before joining TU Chemnitz, he spent nearly a decade in Volkswagen’s corporate research, working on fuel-cell systems and international vehicle projects. Today, he chairs the European hydrogen technology cluster HZwo e.V. and the National Hydrogen Innovation Centre HIC gGmbH. His research focuses on hydrogen, fuel cells, electrolysers, advanced powertrains and electric mobility. He has authored more than 100 publications and several patents.
