The "Memorandum of Understanding" with KIER aims to develop cutting-edge technology solutions for modern photovoltaic and wind energy systems as well as hydrogen production and use. A special focus is placed on materials development, the integration of new solutions into energy systems and the suitability of the approaches for industrial application. Joint research projects and workshops, for example, are planned as part of the collaboration, which is initially scheduled to run for three years.

KIER is contributing its outstanding expertise in the areas of material design and systems engineering, while the Fraunhofer IMWS is contributing its extensive experience in solar technologies and material diagnostics for hydrogen applications. Fraunhofer IFAM is providing support with its excellent know-how in the field of alkaline electrolysis, while Fraunhofer IWES is contributing its expertise in the use of wind energy for the production of green hydrogen and large-scale test infrastructures in the energy sector. All three Fraunhofer Institutes can build on successful past collaborations with KIER.

"Greenhouse gas neutrality, energy security and intelligent energy systems are challenges that many leading industrial nations are facing. We want to develop first-class solutions in close cooperation with industry. International cooperation is a very important instrument here. I am therefore very pleased about the intensified exchange with Fraunhofer," says Dr. Chang-Keun Yi, President of KIER.

Prof. Dr. Erica Lilleodden, Director of the Fraunhofer IMWS, emphasizes: "The international exchange of experience can make an important contribution to a sustainable energy supply in Germany and South Korea. We also want to strengthen the growth opportunities for innovative companies in the energy sector through our increased cooperation."

Prof. Dr. Thomas Weißgärber, Director of Fraunhofer IFAM and responsible for Dresden Branch, commented on the signing: "Pooling expertise from different disciplines can pave the way for providing tailor-made materials and methods for the energy system of the future. I am very much looking forward to working with my colleagues from KIER, who will contribute complementary expertise."

Prof. Dr. Jan Wenske, Deputy Director of Fraunhofer IWES, points out: "Fraunhofer's extensive experience in industrial innovation and application-oriented research is a key success factor in establishing a sustainable energy system. South Korea has very similar challenges to Germany in this area - both sides can only benefit from the cooperation."

___

About the KIER

The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) is a government-funded research institute (GRI) established in 1977 under the Act on the Establishment, Operation, and Fostering of Government-Funded Science and Technology Research Institutes of Korea. Its headquarters are located in Daejeon. As a leading institution in energy research, KIER is dedicated to developing innovative energy technologies to address global challenges such as climate change and energy security. KIER conducts cutting-edge research across various fields, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen technologies, and carbon capture and storage. The institute is pivotal in the global transition to clean energy, spearheading solar and wind power research, energy storage systems, and hydrogen production and utilization. Through these efforts, KIER aims to support South Korea's energy independence and contribute to international efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.
www.kier.re.kr

About the Fraunhofer IMWS

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS in Halle (Saale) offers microstructure-based diagnostics and technology development for innovative materials, components and systems. Building on its core competencies in high-performance microstructure analysis and microstructure-based material design, the institute researches questions of functionality and application behavior as well as the reliability, safety and service life of materials that are used in various market and business areas with high significance for social and economic development. For its partners in industry and for public clients, the Fraunhofer IMWS pursues the goal of contributing to the accelerated development of new materials, increasing material efficiency and cost-effectiveness and conserving resources. In this way, the institute contributes to securing the innovative capacity of important future fields and to sustainability as a central challenge of the 21st century. 

www.imws.fraunhofer.de

About the Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden

Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden, one of the leading institutes in powder metallurgy, conducts fundamental and applied research for solution-oriented material and technology development for innovative sintered and composite materials, functional materials as well as cellular metallic materials for energy technology, mobility and medical technology. Hydrogen technology plays a key role in the field of energy technology. The range of services comprises the industrial implementation of the research results through to the manufacture of prototypical components and their transfer to industrial application. The developments are carried out along the entire process chain. One technological focus lies on powder-based additive manufacturing (e.g. Selective Electron Beam Melting, 3D screen printing, Fused Filament Fabrication, gel casting, MoldJet and LMM) as well as further special technologies like melt spinning, melt extraction, spark plasma sintering and moulding processes which support the material and component development. In the accredited testing laboratory, powder characterisations and tests of sintered materials are carried out according to DIN/ISO standards. 
www.ifam.fraunhofer.de

About the Fraunhofer IWES

Fraunhofer IWES develops innovative methods to accelerate the expansion of the wind energy and hydrogen economy, minimize risks and increase cost efficiency. Innovations in technological developments are validated and innovation cycles are shortened. Planning and development of offshore wind farms are accelerated and made more precise. At present, there are more than 300 scientists and employees as well as more than 100 students employed at the nine sites: Bochum, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Görlitz, Hamburg, Hannover, Leer, Leuna, and Oldenburg. The combination of a globally unique testing infrastructure with methods expertise distinguishes Fraunhofer IWES as a research partner for companies all over the world. Participation in international expert committees makes the institute an active trailblazer for technological developments and quality assurance in the wind industry.

www.iwes.fraunhofer.de/en.html

 

Note: The image may be used free of charge for editorial purposes for reporting on this topic. Use for other purposes is only permitted with the prior consent of the Fraunhofer IMWS.