Fraunhofer to act as technology partner in green projects
India and Germany have committed to develop a national green hydrogen economy to facilitate achievement of the Paris Agreement targets as well as jointly collaborate in the pursuit of energy security and climate protection.
Furthering the commitment, the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on 25 Feb 2023 focusing on collaboration in hydrogen technologies.
The LoI was signed by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE).
The LoI will trigger development of higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for hydrogen energy clusters being set up by DST and identify existing technologies and potential interventions from Fraunhofer in green hydrogen, integrate them with indigenous technologies, and deploy or calibrate them for Indian conditions.
DST will provide the enabling framework for cooperation in the hydrogen valley cluster projects, support activities, and facilitate the resources needed wherever applicable and possible.
Meanwhile Fraunhofer acts as a technology partner for the hydrogen valley and cluster, provides information and access to technologies of TRL 5 – 8, scientific and technical experts, collaboration in preparing technology roadmaps and guidelines for innovation ecosystem/cluster.
This collaboration will pave the way to forge active engagements and collaborations based on mutual needs and strength to further research and technological capabilities in the hydrogen and clean energy sector, said the Ministry of Science and Technology.
“It would help in accelerating pathways for energy transition in India,” the Ministry added.
The LoI was signed by Dr. Anita Gupta, Scientist G and Head, Energy Technologies Cell, DST and Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Director, Division Hydrogen Technologies, Fraunhofer ISE in the presence of Secretary, DST, Dr. S. Chandrasekhar. The event was also attended by R. Madhan, Director, Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), Anandi Iyer, Director Fraunhofer India and officials representing both the sides (see above picture). fiinews.com