As part of their visit to the TU Dresden, a delegation from Princeton University's Andlinger Center today learned about the TU Dresden's diverse activities in the structural change of Lusatia. Together with representatives of the TU Dresden and the ASG Spremberg, the visit highlighted the international interest in the transformation processes in Lusatia, which are characterized by the coal phase-out and the need for a sustainable, economic reorientation. The region not only offers considerable economic potential, but also demonstrates how sustainable developments can be driven forward with innovative projects, particularly in the fields of renewable energies and the circular economy. The delegation was given a comprehensive insight into the developments on site and the role of the park as a model for sustainable industrial settlements. The industrial park offers ideal conditions for new companies with its completely renovated, contaminated-free industrial areas and secure self-sufficiency.

In the context of structural change, the CircEcon project was presented, a joint research campus of TU Dresden – under the sub-project management of Prof. Dr. Niels Modler – the Chemnitz- and Freiberg Universities of Technology and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. CircEcon aims to develop innovative solutions for a greenhouse gas-neutral circular economy and strengthen Lusatia as a research and business location. The delegation was impressed by the vision of a demonstration factory in which modern technologies for the circular economy are tested and brought to market maturity.

The visit represents another significant step towards a long-term partnership between Princeton University and TU Dresden, with the aim of jointly finding global solutions to the challenges of structural change and sustainable development. The Andlinger Center, represented by Mr. Christopher Greig (Associate Director for External Partnerships) and Ms. Elke U. Weber (Associate Director for Education), will play a central role by contributing its expertise in the areas of sustainable energy technology, energy efficiency and environmental management.

The delegation was accompanied by numerous experts, including:

Prof. Dr. Michael Beckmann (Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering), Prof. Dr. Niels Modler (ILK Board Member and Chair of Function-integrative Lightweight Engineering), Paul Hoffeins (Head of Expert Group Lightweight Design), Dr. Marco Zichner (Technology Transfer), and Diana Wolfrum (PR and Communications) from the ILK, as well as Dr. Manès Weisskircher (BMBF Research Group REXKLIMA), Prof. Dr. Matthias Mauder (Chair of Meteorology) and Mr. Roland Peine (Technical Director), Alexander Scharfenberg (Industrieparkmanagement) and Enrico Rein (Promotion & Marketing Industrieparkmanagement) of the ASG Spremberg.

About Princeton University

Princeton University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, was founded in 1746 and is one of the leading research institutions in the USA. It is known for its excellence in teaching and research and has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners. As part of the Ivy League, Princeton plays a central role in the global scientific landscape. In the field of energy and environmental research in particular, the university has done groundbreaking international work, including through the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. The Center is dedicated to developing sustainable technologies and solutions to meet the energy needs of the future and protect the environment.

More information about the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University can be found here: Home Page - Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment (princeton.edu)