Funding for zero-carbon research at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences continues
Source text and photo: Thüringer Ministerium für Umwelt, Energie und Naturschutz, 2024
Second phase of the ZO.RRO II project extended until the end of July 2026
Research into the climate-friendly transformation of the Thuringian economy is continuing at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences with funding from the Ministry of Energy. Following an initial funding phase for research (2019-2022) and its implementation, further funding (around 500,000 euros) has been approved for two more years (until the end of July 2026).
The aim of the ZO.RRO project (Zero Carbon Cross Energy System) is to simulate and demonstrate a CO2-free energy supply for industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The project is researching how the transformation of the energy system can be implemented using Thuringia as an example, focusing on the decarbonization of the energy supply and how producers and consumers can interact in an optimal system and how consumers can leverage synergies with each other. In the period up to 2026, the focus will be on the Thuringian glass industry.
Energy Minister Stengele explains: "We need good research to meet the challenges of the energy transition. ZO.RRO shows how economic strength and climate protection can be combined. For the economy, it is also about security of supply, price stability and regional value creation in a climate-neutral energy supply system." (Original Quote see German article)
In the second phase of the project, ZO.RRO II, the aim is to implement the concepts developed in cooperation with the participating companies. This phase focuses on the development of individual concepts for the reduction of CO2 emissions in the companies. Among other things, flexible production processes and CO2-optimized operation will be tested. Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is working closely with the Thuringian Renewable Energy Network (ThEEN e.V.). The project thus makes an important contribution to the energy transition in Thuringia and supports regional industry on the path to climate neutrality. Small and medium-sized companies in particular, which make up a significant proportion of Thuringia's economy, can benefit from the research results and technologies developed in order to make their production CO2-free and thus stand out from the competition.
In addition to the state's ZO.RRO II project, there is also a part funded by the federal government (BMWK), ZO.RRO 2 for Glass Industry, in its second phase. Both parts are closely interlinked. The federally funded part of the project is being carried out under the consortium leadership of Technische Universität Ilmenau and is intended to show how a highly available, sustainable and economical electrical energy supply can be implemented using the Thuringian glass industry and metal processing industry as an example.
Translated text based on original press release of the Thuringian Energy Ministry.
