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The Central German Chemical Cluster (MDSV) is one of Germany’s most significant integrated chemical clusters, characterized with closely interconnected material flows between its member sites. A central component of the cluster is the steam cracker in Böhlen, which has been operated by DOW to date. This facility supplies large quantities of basic petrochemical chemicals such as ethylene, propylene, and aromatics. The planned decommissioning of the steam cracker by the end of 2027 presents the MDSV with a profound structural shift.

In a major milestone for innovation in Western Australia, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Fraunhofer IKTS have officially opened a state-of-the-art joint research and innovation laboratory.

During her visit to Thuringia on March 10, 2026, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär visited Fraunhofer IKTS in Hermsdorf to learn about current developments and strategic initiatives in the field of energy and environmental technology. It became clear that ceramic materials can become crucial building blocks on the path to new value creation in energy and environmental technology.

The project “BeaT – Renewing Vocational Training for the Automotive Transformation,” coordinated by Fraunhofer IKTS and implemented in collaboration with automotive thüringen e.V. and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, was presented as an exemplary initiative in the EU Commission's latest Good Practices Catalog Vol. 1.

Natural gas, biomethane, hydrogen: Each of these must have their water content removed before they can enter the supply network. This process previously involved the use of chemicals and high temperatures. A new technology developed by Fraunhofer researchers can now deliver this result using nanoporous membranes—rapidly, cleanly, and with minimal energy consumption. This allows renewable energy suppliers to cut costs and reduce climate-damaging emissions.

As industry moves toward a climate-neutral economy, drastic reduction of CO₂ emissions is essential. This is a particular challenge for companies with large-scale firing processes, such as those in ceramics and metalworking. Research-ers at Fraunhofer IKTS in Arnstadt near Erfurt have developed a breakthrough solution: a novel hydrogen-powered high-temperature furnace that enables CO₂-free firing. What makes this sintering furnace unique is its dual-fuel ca-pability: it can operate on either conventional natural gas or hydrogen. This allows companies to run direct comparisons of their firing processes and pre-pare for a smooth transition to climate-friendly hydrogen.

Fraunhofer IKTS has been nominated for the Thuringian Innovation Award 2025 for its pilot production plant for SOEC electrolyzers, which was opened in May with its strategic partner thyssenkrupp nucera in Arnstadt. The jury of the renowned regional competition selected the project along with eleven other outstanding innovations that represent the Free State of Thuringia as an innovative technology location. In addition, an audience award will be presented, for which the public can vote until November 21.

In light of the growing demand for energy storage for the energy transition, there is an urgent need for cost-effective, safe and resource-efficient battery technologies. Sodium-ion batteries based on locally available and environmentally friendly materials offer a promising approach. Fraunhofer researchers and their project partners are working on a sodium-ion battery system based on lignin, a by-product of the wood and pulp industry.

The SoniQ Rail Explorer (SRE) mobile ultrasonic testing device has been in operations successfully on various European and Asian railways for several years. It has now been approved for use on the German DB rail network.

Industrial process and wastewater pose a major challenge when it comes to environmental protection. Fraunhofer researchers in Dresden have now succeeded in developing compact and energy-efficient systems that use photocatalytic oxidation to efficiently break down impurities. At the heart of these systems are foam ceramics with multifunctional coatings.