Master Thesis - Raw material requirements of the German energy transition

Your Job:

The transformation of Germany’s energy system to one based almost exclusively on renewable energies is accompanied by an unprecedented increase in the demand for raw materials for the construction of these technologies. The consideration of these requirements as part of the energy system analysis is still constrained by a number of data and methodological challenges. The aim of this master thesis is to provide a model-based estimate of the raw materials currently tied up in the German energy system and the projected raw material requirements for a greenhouse gas-neutral transformation by 2045. In detail, this includes the following tasks:

• Research into relevant (sub)technologies for the German energy system transformation, including the associated specific material requirements and possible selection criteria
  
• Research on aggregation methods for raw material requirements at technology and system level
  
• Familiarization with the national energy system model ETHOS.NESTOR and, if necessary, extension by additional required technologies
  
• Development of a methodology for the downstream (ex-post) analysis of transformation pathways
  
• Application of the methodology in the context of an analysis of the transformation of the German energy system until 2045

Your Profile:

• Very good results in your Master’s degree in the field of energy technology, engineering, environmental sciences, renewable energies, industrial engineering, materials and geosciences or a comparable degree
  
• You are fluent in written and spoken English (knowledge of German is an advantage due to the thematic focus of the thesis)
  
• You are interested in current energy technology and policy issues
  
• You already have some experience in data analysis and programming with Python or a comparable programming language
  
• You are highly motivated and have the ability to work independently and in an analytical manner
  
• You have a high level of self-organization and time management skills

Our Offer:

As part of your Master Thesis, you will work as part of a team of experts from a wide range of scientific disciplines. Your work will make an important contribution to our research and to answering current questions in energy technology and policy.
In addition, we offer our students:

• Collaboration in a highly motivated and international research group in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure and intensive supervision
  
• The possibility of publication as co-author in a scientific journal
  
• Excellent technical equipment for successful work from home or on-site in Jülich
  
• Flexible working hours and appropriate salary
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

The position is initially for a fixed term of 6 months.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.