The 6th Hof Energy Symposium at Hof University of Applied Sciences ended with positive feedback all round and numerous in-depth expert discussions. The event, organized by the Institute for Hydrogen and Energy Technology (iwe) and the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V., once again provided a groundbreaking platform for experts from science, business, energy supply and politics.
A central topic of the symposium, chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Plessing (iwe), was the role of hydrogen as a key technology in the energy transition: The various possibilities for its production and use were the focus of intensive discussions. The organizers also provided information on a wide range of energy and climate technology topics – from energy efficiency in industry and intelligent energy management to sustainable refrigeration technology and future-proof heating networks.
In their welcoming addresses, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jürgen Lehmann, President of Hof University of Applied Sciences, and Angela Bier, second mayor of the city of Hof, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and scientific innovation for the energy transition.
“Molecular turnaround” only just beginning
The central keynote speech was then given by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Sterner from OTH Regensburg on the topic of “Hydrogen and Power-to-X in the ramp-up: Challenges and solutions”. He presented the technical, economic and political framework conditions and showed practical solutions for an accelerated market ramp-up of hydrogen and P2X technologies. According to him, the agreed climate targets can only be achieved through high energy efficiency, 100% renewable electricity, the electrification of all sectors such as heating, transport and industry and the inclusion of hydrogen:
The electron turnaround is 60% complete, but we are only at the beginning of the molecule turnaround: renewable energies currently account for around 20% of our gross final energy consumption of 2800 TWh in Germany. Only in the electricity sector do they have a high share of just under 60%, while the shares for the rest are still far too low. The focus should be on supporting the production of green hydrogen and strengthening industrial demand in this area.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Sterner
All the storage technologies required for this are now ready for the market. Water and gas storage in particular are clearly superior to other storage media. According to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Sterner, Upper Franconia is now Bavaria’s beacon when it comes to hydrogen in particular.
In-depth technical discussion in three parallel sessions
After a short break, three parallel sessions on the topics of “Thermal Energy Technology”, “Energy Sharing Communities” and the key technology of “Heating Networks” began. Further parallel sessions then covered the topics of “Building technology”, “Intelligent energy management” and “Alternative hydrogen technologies”. A final round then dealt with “Digitalization in energy technology”, “Energy efficiency in industry” and “Innovative applications in refrigeration technology”.
Exchange in the technical and poster exhibition
Afterwards, the participants used the lunch break to visit the extensive poster and trade exhibition. Numerous research projects and company solutions relating to energy efficiency, hydrogen technologies and energy management provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions.
Awards for the best contributions
As a highlight, prizes were awarded for outstanding contributions: The prize for the best poster contribution went to Tobias Roß from Coburg University of Applied Sciences, while the prize for the best scientific presentation was awarded to Onno Bremer from the University of Bayreuth.
Strong contribution to the region
The 6th Hof Energy Symposium was held in cooperation with the Technology Alliance of Upper Franconia (TAO) and also marked the end of the TAO theme year “Energy Future Upper Franconia – Regional, Innovative, Economic”. The event contributed to the networking and further development of regional energy technologies. Numerous specialist impulses and new innovation focuses are planned for the next energy symposium.
