eFuel workshop with doctoral student Konstantin Schmidt

Last week, on March 6, 2024, experts and interested parties gathered at the TUD Dresden University of Technology for the "HZwo Technology Workshop", which focused on the production and application of "eFuels for the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the transport sector". The hosts were Prof. Frank Atzler, who is in charge of the sub-project H4 "H₂ and H₂-based fuels in internal combustion engine applications" in the current Boysen-TU Dresden Research Training Group, and the HZwo e.V.. The workshop began with a welcome address by Prof. Frank Atzler and Dr.-Ing. Gert Schlegel from HZwo e.V., during which not only the current challenges in the energy sector were highlighted, but also the opportunities that eFuels offer to drive the energy transition forward.

The experts first presented the current status and future developments in the production of eFuels. Dr. Gregor Zwaschka from Fraunhofer IWU spoke about the progress made in the production of hydrogen, while Dr. Matthias Jahn from Fraunhofer IKTS took a closer look at co-electrolysis. Constanza Berckemeyer from Chemnitz-based CAC GmbH concluded the morning session with a presentation on the latest trends in eFuels production, in particular "Methanol to Gasoline".

In the afternoon, various possible applications of eFuels were discussed. Prof. Thomas Herlitzius and Prof. Frank Will from TU Dresden presented opportunities for alternative drive systems for mobile machinery in the construction and agricultural sectors. Another highlight was the presentation of the WALEMO project by Maximilian Dobberkau from TU Dresden, which is promoting hybrid methanol drives for local public transport in rural areas. Finally, fellow Konstantin Schmidt(TP H4, photo above) gave an overview of the application of ammonia as an eFuel by presenting various potentials and challenges and also gave an insight into his current research as part of the 4th Boysen-TU Dresden Research Training Group.

The event ended with a lab tour, where participants had the opportunity to visit the test benches at the Chair of Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems at TU Dresden, as well as networking opportunities to exchange ideas and contacts.