Newsportal

To analyse global competition in future battery technologies for electric vehicles, a research team from the Universities of Münster and Cambridge and the Fraunhofer FFB compared patents and innovation strategies from China, Japan, South Korea, Europe and the United States.

The scientists working on the BIOSTORE project aim to use recyclable biological and organic-based materials and additives in the production of batteries. The idea is to replace fossil materials and improve environmental compatibility. The four following guest commentaries provide insights into the project.

Everyone bears a responsibility for the energy transition – from the personal level to the political and international levels. Philosopher Prof. Michael Quante is the co-publisher of “Energy Responsibility”, a publication which appeared just recently. In this interview he talks about approaches, both large and small, to finding solutions.

The energy transition and its effects on biodiversity are often controversial. Prof. Sascha Buchholz, head of the Animal Ecology working group at the Institute of Landscape Ecology at the University of Münster, investigates spatial and temporal changes to biodiversity. Taking bats as an example, Kathrin Kottke spoke to him about the ways in which the challenges of protecting nature and protecting species can be reconciled with the expansion of renewable energies.

A research team led by Prof Stephan von Delft has analysed in which scenarios hydrogen-powered boats are more economical compared to established transport solutions.

“What contribution does your research make to the energy transition?” We asked three scientists from the University of Münster. Chemists Johannes Eike Erchinger and Dr. Anna Isabella Gerlitz and geographer Dr. Christian Krajewski provide insights that shed some light on energy research at the University of Münster.

The energy sector is responsible for around three-quarters of all greenhouse gases detrimental to the climate. CO2 emissions need to be drastically reduced if climate change is to be tackled; but the global demand for primary energy could rise by one-third by 2040. The dossier “Energy for the future” is dedicated to the diverse energy research at the University of Münster.