Thesis systemic Evaluation of a

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe. With a staff of about 1400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system. For some time now, Fraunhofer ISE has been pursuing the approach of using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a material for chemical energy storage of hydrogen (H2) ('Carbon Capturing and Utilization'). CO2 is to be captured from the air, from biomass or from existing processes such as cement production and converted with sustainably produced H2 in various synthesis processes into energy carriers and chemicals that can be stored and transported. In contrast to established fossil-based pathways, such power-to-X (PtX) processes are potentially sustainable. Within the framework of a current research project, we are investigating the extent to which green energy carriers or polyesters can be obtained from biogenic feedstocks and further conversion using microbial electrolysis and a subsequent biofilm reactor. At Fraunhofer ISE, we evaluate this PtX process with the help of holistic system considerations, which include not only economic evaluations but also the analysis of the environmental impact via life-cycle assessment. The aim of this work is to characterize selected scenarios of this PtX process and to evaluate them from an ecological (via LCA) and techno-economic point of view. During your 6-month thesis you will be part of an interdisciplinary and motivating team and gain exciting insights into the world of hydrogen research. For our department "Thermochemical Processes" we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a master or diploma thesis. **What you will do** - You conduct a literature review on the topics of microbial electrolysis, biofilm reactors and relevant techno-economic and life cycle assessments. - You define the scenarios to be considered for your life cycle assessment (also in coordination with the project partners). - You create an associated life cycle data inventory, which contains all relevant material and energy flows. - You calculate investment, operating and resulting production costs for the green products. - You map the system in the LCA software Umberto LCA+ (or Umberto 11) using, among others, the ecoinvent database. - You calculate, analyze and discuss the resulting environmental impacts. - You write your thesis and present your results in an interim and a final presentation. - You participate in project meetings and coordination rounds. **What you bring to the table** - You are studying energy, process or environmental engineering, microbiology or a comparable field. - You have experience in the methods of life cycle assessment and/or economic feasibility studies. - You have a basic understanding of energy economics and the design of energy and storage systems. - Ideally, you have knowledge in microbiology and related scientific fields. - Ideally, you have already gained experience abroad and/or have completed an apprenticeship. - It is important to you to contribute to your team and to achieve common goals in interdisciplinary cooperation. - You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality. - You formulate your ideas clearly and listen attentively to others. - The routine handling of MS Office is a matter of course for you. - Ideally, you have already worked with a common LCA software (e.g. Umberto/GaBi). - You can express yourself confidently in German as well as in English. **What you can expect** - We are one of the most popular employers, where you work at eye level with the best. - We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home at times. - We have attractive sports and health programs and after-work activities for you. - We value equal opportunities and provide room for diversity. Remuneration is based on the degree of completion of the university education. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this position: Christoph Hank 0761 4588 2247 Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE Requisition Number: 39776 Application Deadline: