Education and transferring Kopernikus knowledge

How long will it take until today‘s research becomes study material? Too long for the energy transition. The Kopernikus projects don't want to wait. Their declared aim is ultimately to push ahead with the energy transition. However, this is a highly complex task involving many different disciplines and stakeholders. Getting it right is a bit like asking strangers to completely rebuild a train whilst travelling at full speed and lay new tracks for it but without stopping. After all, the reliability of supply must be always guaranteed.

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How does it affect the teaching materials? The train in question - the energy system - is in motion, but must change without coming to a standstill or derailing. This is why science and industry collaborate very closely at Kopernikus in order to keep the path from theory to practice short and at the same time to test how well the theory works in practice. Yet, the knowledge generated by research is initially only available to those who are involved. Rightly so, since the obtained results are new, volatile and need to be reviewed thoroughly. However, this is not enough for the Kopernikus projects, which is why capacity building plays a major role in the final project phase in the context of transfer. To ensure that in the near future, when the energy system gradually changes tracks, future specialists already know what they are dealing with, the Kopernikus project P2X is in charge of designing educational materials and programmes. Of course, knowledge from the sister projects is also incorporated in many places.

Get involved in the P2X Summer School!

After 2020, 2021 and 2022, the P2X Summer School is taking place for the fourth time this year. P2X partner WWF is once again taking the lead in organising the event. This intensive multi-day workshop offers an excellent opportunity to engage intensively with one of the key technologies of the energy transition: Power-to-X. Technical and scientific university students are invited to join researchers in exploring the latest developments in green hydrogen technologies and synthetic fuels. Not only will they gain knowledge from this experience, but also a network for future careers: a win-win situation.

Dates: Thursday, 22 May to Sunday, 25 May 2025
Location: Offenbach, Industriepark Höchst and other venues
Who is welcome to apply: Students of technical and scientific disciplines (e.g. chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering) as well as students of other disciplines with an interest in climate change and sustainable development (aged 18 and over)
Costs: Participation is free of charge!
Application: Until 30 March 2025 here

Programme:

• Thursday, 22 May 2025: Introduction to the scientific and social aspects of Power-to-X
• Friday, 23 May 2025: Field trip to Industriepark Höchst and the Power-to-Liquid pioneer plant
• Saturday, 24 May 2025: Workshop and tour on sustainability criteria and experiencing nature
• Sunday, 25 May 2025: Discussion with experts from science, politics and business

Speakers and organisations: WWF Germany, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), DECHEMA e.V., H₂Giga, and other experts from research, industry and NGOs

Target group: The event is aimed at students who are interested in the energy transition and sustainable technologies such as Power-to-X. Applications from students from the fields of natural sciences, engineering and related disciplines are particularly welcome.

Value for those taking part - even beyond the event:

• Knowledge transfer: Direct access to the latest Power-to-X research
• Networking: Exchange with experts and like-minded people from different sectors
• Practical experience: Workshops and practical field trips to explore the application of the technologies
• Improved career opportunities: Insight into a promising field of research in the energy transition

The event is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to deepen their expertise in the field of sustainable technologies and actively participate in the energy transition. See the call for applications here. Please note: The language of instruction is going to be German.

P2X lecture series prepares for round two

Meanwhile, the P2X lecture series has successfully completed its first round. P2X partner Provadis University is organising the digital programme, which is scheduled to be back in the winter semester of 2025/2026 - with up-to-date topics, of course. In the drawers below, you will find links to the recordings of the first P2X lecture series in the winter semester 2024/2025. If you have any further questions or concerns about the previous lecture series, please send an email to kommunikation-p2x@dechema.de.

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