The topic of the energy transition is polarizing society in the current political debate. While fossil fuels are experiencing a resurgence in the USA, wind, photovoltaics and the use of biomass to generate energy are being further expanded in Germany. In the past, this has led to enormous price increases in electricity costs in Germany. This is why some people are calling for nuclear power to be reintroduced. The series of successful city lectures at Hof University of Applied Sciences will now discuss this topic on May 20, 2025 from 5.30-7.00 pm in the café “Zur Auszeit”.
In the lecture by Professor Dr.-Ing. Tobias Plessing, Head of the Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology, the development of the current electricity market in Germany will be shown. He will also analyze the effects of the further expansion of renewable energies on the electricity system. In particular, the necessity of energy storage and load management will be analyzed. Among other things, the role that hydrogen can play as an energy source and storage medium in this context is also considered.
Does a return to nuclear power make sense?
Above all, the scientist, who is involved in many research projects, is looking at whether a return to nuclear power and the development of a fusion reactor could be a sensible alternative for moving towards a CO2-neutral energy industry.
TAO theme year energy
The city lecture is also part of the TAO Energy theme year for the first time. The Technology Alliance Upper Franconia, in which all four Upper Franconian universities are involved as partners, aims to bring together the various players in the energy sector and promote intersectoral exchange and networking. Under the motto “The energy future of Upper Franconia – regional, innovative, economical”, the goals formulated in the paper “5 points for Upper Franconia” are also to be supported and the region is to be proactively positioned as an “energy model region of Upper Franconia”.
University comes to the city
For several years now, Hof University of Applied Sciences has been tasked with having an impact on society as part of its “third mission”. This third pillar stands directly alongside the other two, namely teaching and research.
Particularly in today’s increasingly flattened and brutalized public debate, we as a university want to bring complex and reflective ideas back to the public.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Valentin Plenk, Vice President for Research, Development and Entrepreneurship
The aim is to show that a serious, scientific discourse does not necessarily have to be boring and incomprehensible. The first two series of the City Lecture have shown that this is indeed possible, says Plenk.
Registration
The event is explicitly aimed at citizens of the city of Hof and the surrounding districts. The venue is the student café “Zur Auszeit” in Hof’s Karolinenstraße. A maximum of 60 people can take part; the order of registration applies. The event is free of charge, drinks and snacks are self-pay.
Click here to register…
