New Ground: Hydrogen and Thermoelectricity combined

As part of the press conference in the K1-MET LAB today, a demo system was used to show how waste heat can be converted into electricity using thermoelectricity. The four men are standing next to the demo system.
f.l.: DI Thomas Bürgler (Managing Director K1-MET GmbH), State Councilor for Economics and Research Markus Achleitner, FH-Prof. Priv. Doz. DI Dr. Johann Kastner (Vice President for Research at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria) and Manuel Pfeil (Managing Director H2 Powerlink GmbH)
The four men are standing in the laboratory room. The State Councilor is currently asking a question while the others are listening to him.
from left: State Councilor for Economics and Research Markus Achleitner, FH-Prof. Priv. Doz. DI Dr. Johann Kastner (Vice President for Research at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria), DI Thomas Bürgler (Managing Director K1-MET GmbH) and Manuel Pfeil (Managing Director H2 Powerlink GmbH).

About 40% of domestic energy consumption is attributed to the industrial sector. Hydrogen plays a central role in the expansion of renewable energies, especially in energy-intensive industries. With the Hydrogen Initiative 2030, Upper Austria is driving this transformation in a targeted manner and pursues the ambitious goal of becoming a leading region for climate-friendly industrial production.

From the "H2 for Transition" call for proposals in spring 2024, the forward-looking project "ThermoGreenHydrogen" has emerged. This three-year innovation project researches the production, storage, and use of hydrogen in conjunction with thermoelectricity, which converts unused industrial waste heat into electricity. For this purpose, H2 Powerlink in Wels collaborates with K1-MET, Partner of UAR Innovation Network, and the FH Upper Austria. The project comprehensively considers the renewable energy system in the JTP region of Upper Austria, which is the area most affected by the transition to a climate-neutral economy. Upper Austria's target areas are the districts of Wels-Land, Gmunden, Vöcklabruck, and Kirchdorf, as well as the city of Wels.

Upper Austria’s vision is clear: By using hydrogen, industrial production is to be revolutionized and sustainable energy supply ensured. With innovative projects like "ThermoGreenHydrogen" the position as a leading player in the global energy transition is further strengthened.

More information can be found in the document for the press conference with Markus Achleitner, Provincial Councillor for Economic Affairs and Research.

Photos © State of Upper Austria/Margot Haag

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