Renewable Energy Technologies
The use of renewable energy sources is of primary importance for a sustainable energy supply. We develop and improve systems for the increased use of these energy sources.
- Development and improvement of combustion and control technologies for biomass-based generation of combined heat and power, process heat and space heating
- Development of cooling systems using renewable energy sources
- Biological gasification of biomass in biogas plants for heat and power generation
- Development of framework conditions aimed at enhancing the market attractiveness of renewable energy sources
- Active participation in national and international networks promoting bioenergy utilisation (Austrian Bioenergy Centre, Renewable Energy Network, Bioenergy NoE, IEA Bioenergy )
Energy Systems and Strategies
Energy planning is an essential prerequisite for efficient and environmentally compatible energy use. We develop energy concepts at corporate, local and regional levels and prepare studies on energy management and environmental policy issues.
- Information platform for “hydrogen” and “fuels of the future”
- Knowledge database supporting technology transfer in the energy and environment sector
- Energetic analysis and optimisation of industrial production processes
- Assessment of future transport systems from an energy and environmental engineering perspective
- Active participation in national and international networks (such as COST E31, ThermalNet , HyCentA )
Energy, Land Use and Climate Change
The use of energy and land resources influences the carbon cycle and thus also the global climate. We investigate the relevant mechanisms and develop strategies for the reduction of emissions affecting the climate or the environment.
- Assessment of environmental impacts of energy use based on life cycle analyses (pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions) including carbon sources and sinks
- Climate-relevant studies for agriculture and forestry (e.g. forest loss in developing countries, reforestation, emission reduction through bioenergy and wood products)
- Method development and consulting in emissions trading and project mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol (Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation)
- Active participation in international bodies analysing options for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, UNFCCC, Bioenergy NoE, IEA Bioenergy, COST).