Project kick-off as part of DC distribution grids for sustainable high-performance applications

Saxon universities and institutes cooperate to research the DC grids of tomorrow.

With a clear goal for the future of energy supply, the TUD Dresden University of Technology and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences officially launched the "DC-LabSaxony" project on November 15, 2024.

The aim of the project is to research the potential of DC medium-voltage grids and develop sustainable solutions for high-performance applications. The ceremonial signing of the cooperation agreement took place at the Zittau site.

"The DC-LabSaxony is the starting point for extensive research in the field of DC technology in the three-country region. The switch to renewable energies and changes in user behavior present us with new challenges. DC grids offer forward-looking solutions for the energy transition, especially for the integration of storage systems, e-mobility and the supply of industrial plants," explained Prof. Dr. Stefan Kornhuber, Professor in charge at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

Funded by the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and co-financed by the Free State of Saxony, the financing of this unique DC medium-voltage laboratory is secured. The new research location in Zittau will drive forward basic research into DC technology and at the same time serve as a development and testing platform for regional companies.

In his welcoming address, State Secretary Dr. Andreas Handschuh (Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism) praised the project: "It is a really great success for Zittau as a research location that the DC-LabSaxony project was able to score points in the fiercely contested competition for JTF funding. A total of 6.3 million euros can now be invested, including in new equipment, but of course also in bright minds who will now continue to drive the project forward. I wish everyone involved every success."

Alexander Kratzsch, Rector of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, emphasized: "The laboratory not only opens up new scientific opportunities for us, but also strengthens the economic competitiveness of the region. I am grateful to everyone involved for bringing this idea to this point with so much commitment and energy over the last few years."

During the event, the TUD Dresden University of Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU also signed the official declaration of intent for the Saxon DC Campus.

The Saxon DC Campus is to establish itself as a Competence Center for the entire DC voltage supply - from generation, distribution and storage through to use. In addition to researching the transfer of existing energy systems to DC grids and use, economic, socio-economic and ecological issues will also be investigated. The expertise of the four Saxon scientific institutions will be pooled in order to strengthen regional research and increase the international visibility of DC technologies from Saxony.

The DC Campus will offer research associates, students, pupils and industry partners a state-of-the-art research and training infrastructure. In addition to research, a space will be created for future start-ups and company relocations, which will benefit from the proximity to academic expertise and the availability of highly qualified specialists. With a planned new Master's degree program, students will be involved in a targeted manner in scientific projects and prepared for the challenges of the future.

With the establishment of the DC-LabSaxony and the long-term perspective of the Saxon DC-Campus, pioneering technologies will be researched that not only promote Saxony's economic strength and innovative power, but also the transition to an efficient and environmentally friendly energy supply.

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