New research centre for low-carbon technologies opens near Berlin

The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has opened a new research facility in the eastern state of Brandenburg that will focus on alternatives to fossil fuels as part of its efforts to decarbonise industrial processes. Part of the DLR’s Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes, the new facility in the city of Cottbus will concentrate on digital simulations and virtual designs of changed production processes as well as on the development of high-temperature heat pumps. The DLR is also opening a second institute site in the Saxonian city of Zittau. “In our new institute in Cottbus, we are working on solutions for an economically viable transformation of industrial and power plant processes into low-carbon technologies,” said DLR Chair Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla. The research, she added, also makes the DLR an important partner in Cottbus’ surrounding region of Lusatia, a lignite mining area that is undergoing structural change as Germany reduces its dependence on coal. “The future is created here through research and innovation," Kaysser-Puzalla added.

In expanding its expertise in the field of energy research and supporting structural change in Lusatia, the Institute for Low-CO2 Industrial Processes is working closely with the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) and the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Goerlitz and in partnership with companies in the region. The DLR promotes the transfer of knowledge for the industrial use of research results. “Structural change can only succeed with a strong research and science landscape and an innovative economy that creates good, well-paid jobs in the region,” said Brandenburg Premier Dietmar Woidke. “I am sure that the new DLR Institute, together with the industrial partners, will help develop a European model region for a climate-neutral economy." The EU is also supporting Lusatia’s transition away from lignite mining.