Algae for a green future

Text: Christina Pfänder

Green hydrogen so far appears to be the only option when it comes to decarbonising the chemical and steel industries. Produced using renewable energies, green hydrogen is one of the key pillars supporting the energy transition. Since January 2023, the DAAD has been promoting the further development of this vital technology via its ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen (GH2) programme with funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. “Our programme for the wider European Research Area (ERA) is creating a network of ­early career researchers and bringing them together with experts,” explains Fangfang Xu-Suhren, who is coordinating the programme. “At the same time, we are strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and innovative capacity.” In the process, the DAAD is helping Germany achieve an important political goal: climate neutrality by 2045.

Current fellows include master’s students, doctoral candidates and postdocs from Germany, as well as international early career researchers from five continents. Alongside hydrogen technology leaders such as the EU, Australia, Japan, Canada and the USA, programme countries include various countries in Central and South America and ­Africa. By establishing four different working groups, the DAAD programme is also addressing the entire green hydrogen value chain – focusing not only on the production and transport of green hydrogen, but also on legal and socioeconomic prerequisites as well as market stimulation.

Gamze Er, who was one of the first GH2 programme fellows, returned to Technische Universität Berlin from South Korea when her fellowship came to an end in October 2024. At LSTME Busan, an institute associated with the Chair of Fluid Mechanics at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, she had conducted research on microalgae for her PhD in food technology.

“The biomass from these tiny organisms is used in dietary supplements, personal care products and in the pharmaceuticals industry,” she explains. “Furthermore, experiments have shown that some types of microalgae produce hydrogen under certain conditions.” This could see them play an important role in supplying energy in the future: less energy is required to produce such bio-based hydrogen than hydrogen created by electrolysis. The fast-growing organisms also score well in terms of resource efficiency because they can be cultivated in salt water – or on special surfaces. “I am researching a method of cultivation that ­reduces the consumption of water and energy,” ­explains Gamze Er.

The conditions for pursuing her research turned out to be ideal in Busan. “South Korea is investing in technological development and is a trailblazer in the hydrogen economy; I gained extensive insights into this sector at LSTME Busan and during conferences.” Gamze Er was also able to expand her expertise and forge new contacts by taking part in a working group coordinated by the DAAD. “We have all chosen to specialise in producing carbon-neutral hydrogen,” she says. “It’s really interesting for me to learn about and discuss the diverse projects of the other fellows.”

Even now her fellowship has ended, Gamze Er takes advantage of the networking and continuing education opportunities offered by the GH2 programme: DAAD alumnae and alumni who focus on green hydrogen in their research or work can still collaborate with the four working groups. In addition, the DAAD funds participation in conferences or further training courses and offers workshops. “We are planning to stage a major conference in October 2025 and will invite the programme’s alumni and alumnae, current fellows and experts from business, industry and science to attend,” says Fangfang Xu-Suhren from the DAAD. Engaging in direct exchange makes it easier to discover synergies and opens up chances for future collaboration. —