Fraunhofer Institutes and the Korean Institute of Energy Research intensify their collaboration. The focus is on hydrogen, photovoltaics, and wind energy. The goal is to accelerate the establishment of a hydrogen economy in both countries. The cooperation is initially set to last three years.
Korea and Germany aim to further deepen their cooperation in the hydrogen economy. To this end, KEIR and the Fraunhofer Institutes for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS), for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials Research (IFAM), and for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) have signed a cooperation agreement. The collaboration aims to support the faster establishment of hydrogen technologies and the supply of sustainable energy in both countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) envisions the development of cutting-edge technology solutions. These are to include modern photovoltaic and wind energy systems as well as hydrogen production and utilization. The focus is on materials development, system integration, and industrial applicability. The cooperation, initially planned for three years, includes joint research projects and workshops.
Exchange of Expert Knowledge
KIER contributes expertise in material design and systems engineering. Fraunhofer IMWS adds experience in solar technologies and material diagnostics for hydrogen applications. The IWES Institute offers expertise in using wind energy for green hydrogen and large-scale test infrastructures, while Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden supports with know-how in alkaline electrolysis.
Dr. Chang-Keun Yi, President of KIER, emphasizes the importance of cooperation for greenhouse gas neutrality, energy security, and intelligent energy systems. Prof. Dr. Erica Lilleodden, head of Fraunhofer IMWS, underlines the potential of international exchange of experience for sustainable energy supply and growth opportunities for innovative companies.
The newly concluded cooperation agreement is not the first German-Korean collaboration. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has been cooperating with three institutes from South Korea for several years, and Fraunhofer IMWS signed a cooperation agreement with the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH) in February.
