Christian, where are we here and what do you do?

We are here at the Fraunhofer IKTS site in Halle an der Saale in the Technology Economics and Sustainability Analysis department. We investigate and evaluate technologies in terms of their economic, ecological, and social impacts. I am particularly interested in the topic of science communication and the economic evaluation of hydrogen. This also results in continuing education formats, which I am involved in designing and implementing.

 

What does that involve? Do you have an example of a project?

On behalf of the Hans Böckler Foundation, the foundation organization of the German Trade Union Confederation, we are developing methods in the competence cluster “Employment, Infrastructure, and Industrial Policy in Transformation” for the economic evaluation of the transformations toward a decarbonized society, as well as the effects on employment and the demand for skilled workers.

We have developed various formats for this purpose. For example, in a study on the transformation paths of the East German chemical industry, we outlined how the conversion of energy supply, the use of sustainable raw materials, and the development of new environmentally friendly products can be successful.

Another example is our “Fact Check” series, which we developed to take a closer look at energy topics such as nuclear energy, hydrogen, and electromobility. Here, we focus on providing a clear presentation, explaining the advantages and disadvantages, and highlighting the cost factors of the various technologies. These studies and fact checks enable us to provide decision-making support for political and economic actors.

 

Can you give us a brief insight into a fact check?

In the fact check on hydrogen, we want to clarify what is meant by the term “green hydrogen,” how it is produced, and how its price is developing. In my view, hydrogen plays a key role in the transformation to a climate-neutral society. Its properties enable it to replace fossil fuels, especially in industry and energy supply. It is therefore important to get to the bottom of the issue on a scientific basis, refute myths, and explain, for example, why Germany cannot fully meet its demand for green hydrogen from domestic production.

Although we have the potential for (decentralized) production of green hydrogen, the available land and energy generation capacities are limited. By 2030, 10 GW of electrolysis capacity is to be created in Germany. With an efficiency of 70 %, this corresponds to 28 TWh. According to current estimates, this target is offset by a demand of approximately 95–130 TWh in hydrogen and derivatives. To meet demand and ensure a stable supply, Germany will therefore be dependent on imports from regions with more favorable access to renewable energy in the long term.

 

Do you also work with international partners?

Yes, definitely. One exciting project that has already been completed is the “Scrap Bonus” study series. This series of studies examined the potential CO₂ savings from recycling stainless steel scrap compared to using new materials. Since there is often a vague understanding of what CO₂ actually is, we had the idea of assigning a monetary value to CO₂. The use of stainless steel scrap as a raw material for the production of stainless steel leads to welfare gains. Current and future generations benefit from cost savings due to the avoided environmental impact. We wanted to answer the question of how much society saves through steel recycling.

We did this with an international team for the Southeast Asian market, using Thailand as an example. This enabled us to translate the scrap bonus that already existed for Europe to Asia and quantify the added value of stainless steel recycling for Thailand. As a result, we found that one ton of recycled stainless steel scrap saves up to 50,000 baht, or about 1325 euros, in environmental costs.

 

Another focus of your work is on continuing education formats.

Exactly, that has grown more and more in our group in recent years. By combining my personal interest in imparting knowledge with my business background – I completed a commercial apprenticeship and later studied business administration – I am delighted with my current role in a project offering comprehensive training on renewable energies from the Fraunhofer Society. This is aimed at government representatives from the Malaysian state. There, I share my knowledge of project and change management, as well as the economic evaluation of hydrogen.

In order to implement such training formats, we always start by asking ourselves what qualifications skilled workers need. For example, we examined the qualification requirements for ramping up the hydrogen economy and conducted and evaluated a series of interviews on this topic. In the study, we were able to emphasize the need for strategic approaches to meet this demand for workers. We also discussed the role of trade unions and works councils, as well as the potential of training and continuing education formats to meet the requirements of the developing industry.

 

Why are these aspects of science communication and continuing education so important to you?

Unfortunately, I am noticing more and more often that fact-based knowledge is losing its importance. Things that were established and considered logical are increasingly being torpedoed in discussions. Truths are being distorted or reinterpreted. And this is where science communication comes into play. We, or rather our project partners, want to remain articulate, because otherwise discussion cannot function. And here we have the opportunity to contribute to the current difficult discourse culture by bringing scientifically sound results to the public. This information can and should then be used, of course. And so I am convinced that dialogues will continue to be fact-based and problems will be solved.

 

Now you do a lot of mental work. How do you manage to switch off with such a dense range of topics?

One of my passions is cooking. Through several trips to Southeast Asia, I have developed a particular fondness for Asian cuisine. Sport is a good complement to this.

I grew up in the Harz Mountains and started snowboarding there. Later, I added surfing and skateboarding to my repertoire. I also regularly go bouldering or play squash with my colleagues. That really helps me clear my head.